Breast Onlay Mold for Realistic Augmentation Appearance and Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for simulating breast augmentation lack the ability to provide a realistic physical representation and feel, failing to accurately depict how an augmentation would look and feel on a patient's body prior to surgery.
Innovation Solution
A customizable breast onlay mold that conforms to a patient's existing chest and breast geometry, featuring a negative mold of the native breast on one side and an ideal augmented topography on the other, with an adhesive layer for secure attachment, and optionally integrated into a brassiere, to simulate both appearance and feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional implant samples or computer software simulations are used, then the patient can see an approximation of the augmented breast, but the patient cannot experience the realistic physical feel and appearance on her own body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a physical copy or replica of the augmented breast appearance using a translucent material that can be placed over the patient's native breast. This copy accurately reproduces the external morphology, volume, and contour of the intended surgical outcome, allowing the patient to see and touch a realistic representation before surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent material acts as an intermediary between the patient's native breast and the imagined augmented state. It provides a tangible medium that bridges the gap between digital simulations and actual surgical results, enabling the patient to experience the anticipated outcome physically without undergoing surgery.
2Reliability
If a physical breast simulation device is created, then the patient can experience realistic appearance and feel, but the device must be highly customizable to match patient-specific anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for adjustment of key parameters such as breast volume, projection, width, and contour by selecting different pre-fabricated forms or adjusting the translucent material. This enables customization to match patient-specific anatomy without requiring completely unique devices for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The translucent material and form system serves multiple functions: it can be used for cosmetic augmentation simulation, reconstruction planning, and educational purposes. The same basic system adapts to different patient anatomies through selection of appropriate forms rather than requiring completely custom-designed devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing simulation methods are used, then the process is simple and quick, but they fail to provide accurate prediction of surgical outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pre-fabricated forms that represent common augmentation outcomes. These forms are prepared in advance with accurate anatomical proportions, allowing the surgeon to quickly select and apply the appropriate form without time-consuming custom fabrication, thus maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a high-fidelity, realistic simulation of breast augmentation, allowing patients to experience the anticipated changes in volume, topography, and skin effect before surgery, enhancing surgical planning and patient satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The breast onlay mold may further comprise an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is applied to the inward facing side of the body.
Data Source
AI summary
A mold, apparatus, and method for providing a realistic simulation of a breast augmentation. The mold is an onlay mold that is additively manufactured with a negative mold of a topography of a native breast on one side and an ideal augmented topography on the opposite side. The mold is adherable to a torso of a patient over a native breast to illustrate a real look and feel of a completed augmentation. The mold may also be positioned within a pocketed brassiere to provide the simulation. The mold is generated from a three dimensional image taken of the patient's torso and breast.