Breast Prosthesis with Graded Elasticity for Implant Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical mesh materials used for breast reconstruction lack customization to fit the natural three-dimensional shape of breasts, leading to inadequate support, discomfort, and potential need for additional surgeries due to stiffness and lack of elasticity, as well as difficulties in handling and improper fitting during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis comprising three biocompatible fabric parts with specific elongation properties in the vertical direction, including a reinforcement part for the chest wall, a fixation part for the pectoral muscle, and a transition part connecting them, designed to provide natural-like support and movement by accommodating the breast's multi-directional curves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional surgical mesh material is used for breast reconstruction, then the support function is provided, but the material lacks elasticity and cannot accommodate natural breast movement, leading to discomfort and potential sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis combines biocompatible yarns with elastic properties with fabric structures to create a composite material that provides both mechanical support and elasticity. This allows the material to maintain breast implant support while accommodating natural breast movement and expansion, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the support material by selecting yarns with specific elastic elongation properties (5-20% elongation). This parameter change enables the material to provide controlled elasticity and movement accommodation while maintaining sufficient support strength, directly addressing the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If square or rectangular mesh sheets are used, then the material is easy to manufacture, but it does not fit the natural three-dimensional curvature of the breast, requiring cutting and suturing that increases surgical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is manufactured with a pre-formed curved configuration that matches the natural three-dimensional shape of the breast. This curvature is integrated into the fabric structure itself, eliminating the need for surgical cutting and suturing to achieve proper fit, while maintaining ease of manufacture through specialized fabric formation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional flat mesh sheets to a three-dimensional curved prosthesis that conforms to breast anatomy. This dimensional change allows the material to naturally fit the breast contour without requiring surgical manipulation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the prosthesis uses uniform fabric throughout, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide differentiated support zones for the chest wall, pectoral muscle, and breast tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis incorporates zones with different fabric properties: a first fabric with lower elongation (5-10%) for chest wall reinforcement requiring stable support, and a second fabric with higher elongation (15-20%) for pectoral muscle fixation requiring movement accommodation. This local differentiation optimizes support functionality in each anatomical zone while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 prosthesis offers enhanced support and comfort by mimicking natural breast movement and feel, reducing the risk of sagging and bottoming out of breast implants, while allowing for repositioning and secure fixation, thus improving the aesthetic and functional outcomes of breast reconstruction and lifting surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
said first arrangement of yarns conferring to said first fabric an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E1
Implementation Method 2
said second arrangement of yarns conferring to said second fabric an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E2
Implementation Method 3
said third arrangement of yarns conferring to said third fabric an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E3, wherein E3 is greater than E1 and greater than E2
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthesis for supporting a breast implant comprising:a reinforcement part configured to receive a curved lower portion of a breast implant, the reinforcement part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E1, a fixation part intended to be fixed to the pectoral muscle, the fixation part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E2, anda transition part connecting together the reinforcement part and the fixation part, said transition part having an elongation under 50N in the vertical direction of E3, wherein E3 is greater than E1 and greater than E2.