Breast Prosthesis with Localized Gel Protrusions for Lymphedema Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current breast prostheses do not effectively alleviate secondary lymphedema symptoms, particularly in breast cancer survivors, as they fail to provide a massaging action that encourages lymph fluid circulation, relying on bulky or custom-made solutions that require additional support.
Innovation Solution
A breast prosthesis design featuring a front portion shaped like a human breast with a protrusion member that extends from the back, creating a massaging action when worn, utilizing a mold process with multiple layers of film and gel to form the prosthesis, including a firmer gel in the protrusion area for enhanced massage functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional breast prostheses are used, then the prosthesis provides breast shape and appearance, but it does not provide massaging action to encourage lymph fluid circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the breast prosthesis function with the lymphedema treatment function into a single integrated device. The prosthesis incorporates protrusions that extend into the chest cavity to provide massaging action, eliminating the need for separate treatment devices and combining multiple functions (breast reconstruction and lymph fluid circulation stimulation) into one product.
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis features localized protrusions with specific geometries (spherical, conical, or cylindrical shapes) positioned at specific locations on the inner surface to target specific areas of the chest cavity. This local quality variation allows different regions of the prosthesis to perform different functions - the smooth outer surface provides breast shape while the localized protrusions provide targeted massaging action.
2Reliability
If pads with ribbed fabric and foam are used to direct lymph fluid flow, then lymph fluid circulation is improved, but the system becomes bulky and requires additional coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the lymph fluid flow direction function directly into the breast prosthesis structure itself. The protrusions on the inner surface of the prosthesis serve dual purposes: providing massaging action and directing lymph fluid flow toward the axilla, eliminating the need for separate pads, ribbed fabric, and compression garments.
Solution Approach 2:
The breast prosthesis is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing breast shape and appearance, stimulating lymph fluid circulation through massaging action, and directing lymph fluid flow toward the axilla. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and additional coverage.
3Reliability
If a vest with similar lymph fluid flow channels is used, then lymphedema symptoms are relieved, but the vest must be custom produced and is expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The breast prosthesis is designed as a universal device that can be used by multiple patients without custom production. The standardized prosthesis with integrated protrusions provides both breast reconstruction and lymphedema treatment functions, eliminating the need for expensive custom-made vests while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the breast prosthesis with lymphedema treatment functionality into a single mass-producible device. By integrating the massaging protrusions and flow-direction features directly into the prosthesis, the invention eliminates the need for separate custom-made treatment vests, making the solution more accessible and cost-effective.
4Reliability
If foam pieces are placed in specific areas to provide pressure, then pressure at specific sites is achieved, but additional support is required
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates localized protrusions with specific geometries (spherical, conical, or cylindrical) at specific positions on the inner surface to provide targeted pressure at specific sites within the chest cavity. This local quality variation allows the prosthesis to provide focused pressure where needed without requiring additional support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the pressure-application function directly into the breast prosthesis structure through the protrusions. The protrusions provide the necessary pressure at specific sites to stimulate lymph fluid flow, eliminating the need for separate foam pieces and additional support structures.
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
The breast prosthesis effectively encourages lymph fluid circulation by providing a massage-like action, alleviating edema symptoms without the need for additional support or custom production, offering a cost-effective and comfortable solution for lymphedema relief.
Implementation Method 1
A first gel is injected into the first chamber. A second gel is injected into the second chamber... The mold is placed in an oven so as to cure the first gel and the second gel and mold the film, thereby forming the breast prosthesis
Data Source
AI summary
A breast prosthesis is adapted to massage a patient's chest so as to encourage circulation of interstitial lymph fluid. A breast form member has a front portion that has a shape corresponding to a human breast and a back portion. A protrusion member extends from the back portion. The protrusion member defines at least one protrusion extending outwardly therefrom. The protrusion is disposed so that when the breast prosthesis held against the patient at a preselected location, the protrusion will massage the preselected location, thereby encouraging circulation of interstitial lymph fluid.