A Promising Technique to Prevent Malpositioning in Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction following mastectomy generally uses silicone implants and acellular dermal matrices (ADM) as wrapping material. However, due to the round shape of the implants, ADM sheets cannot conformally cover the implants and leave voids or wrinkles, and do not preserve the angles and curves. These lead to the malpositioning of the implants. Now researchers from the University of Pennsylvania have used the principles of a paper-cutting technique called kirigami to reconstruct breasts that helps prevent implant malpositioning and preserve the natural shape of the breasts.

They made cuts in the ADM sheets using a laser based on the 3D models of breasts and topography mapping of the implants (Figure 1). Figure 1. Kirigami-style cuts were made in an ADM sheet which conformably covered the breast implant. (Adapted from Lee YJ et al.) A pattern of cuts made in the ADM sheets allowed…