3D Scaffolds Improve Nipple Reconstruction Techniques
By HospiMedica International staff writers Posted on 20 May 2019 |
Image: Researchers assert that a 3D-printed scaffold may act as a framework and allow cancer patients to grow breast tissue (Photo courtesy of All3DP).
A combination of three-dimensional (3D) printed biomaterial scaffolds and autologous cell seeding are the future of breast reconstruction, according to a new study.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT; Australia), the University of Queensland (UQ; Brisbane, Australia), and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH; Australia) conducted a literature review to study the evolution of nipple reconstruction techniques and current tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) protocols, from the more established local skin flap surgical methods to modern tissue engineering approaches.
They then explored different tissue engineering concepts and how clinical outcomes could be improved for patients undergoing nipple–areola complex (NAC) reconstruction, especially cosmetic success, which is evaluated by position, shape, texture, pigmentation, and projection. They found that despite a myriad of flap and augmented-flap techniques reported in the literature, no gold standard has emerged, and to date, no one technique provides a consistently reliable method of nipple reconstruction.
They therefore propose a novel technique, whereby a 3D printed tissue-engineered construct (TEC) is used as an autologous graft to augment conventional nipple reconstruction, due to the ability of TECs to stimulate vascularization and stem cell proliferation and differentiation. According to the authors, an important consideration in animal trials will be the selection of an implant site that appropriately mimics the tension and thickness of the overlying skin following breast reconstruction. The study was published on April 16, 2019, in Tissue Engineering.
“Historically, local skin flaps were utilized for nipple reconstruction, with more recent techniques exploring the addition of implanted material. Conventional TERM techniques involve seeding a scaffold with the patients' own cells and using growth factors to promote survival,” said senior author Dietmar Hutmacher, PhD, of QUT. “Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine represents a potential source of stable and biocompatible implantable tissue, which may have a positive effect on cosmetic outcomes.”
NAC reconstruction may be necessitated by developmental absence, trauma, burn injury, or most commonly, breast cancer requiring mastectomy. The nipple is often viewed as the finishing touch of the entire process, holding considerable symbolic significance for patients that extend beyond the physical realm; patients have reported an improved perception of breast symmetry, softness, and sensitivity, compared with patients who underwent a breast-only reconstruction.
Related Links:
Queensland University of Technology
University of Queensland
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT; Australia), the University of Queensland (UQ; Brisbane, Australia), and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH; Australia) conducted a literature review to study the evolution of nipple reconstruction techniques and current tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) protocols, from the more established local skin flap surgical methods to modern tissue engineering approaches.
They then explored different tissue engineering concepts and how clinical outcomes could be improved for patients undergoing nipple–areola complex (NAC) reconstruction, especially cosmetic success, which is evaluated by position, shape, texture, pigmentation, and projection. They found that despite a myriad of flap and augmented-flap techniques reported in the literature, no gold standard has emerged, and to date, no one technique provides a consistently reliable method of nipple reconstruction.
They therefore propose a novel technique, whereby a 3D printed tissue-engineered construct (TEC) is used as an autologous graft to augment conventional nipple reconstruction, due to the ability of TECs to stimulate vascularization and stem cell proliferation and differentiation. According to the authors, an important consideration in animal trials will be the selection of an implant site that appropriately mimics the tension and thickness of the overlying skin following breast reconstruction. The study was published on April 16, 2019, in Tissue Engineering.
“Historically, local skin flaps were utilized for nipple reconstruction, with more recent techniques exploring the addition of implanted material. Conventional TERM techniques involve seeding a scaffold with the patients' own cells and using growth factors to promote survival,” said senior author Dietmar Hutmacher, PhD, of QUT. “Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine represents a potential source of stable and biocompatible implantable tissue, which may have a positive effect on cosmetic outcomes.”
NAC reconstruction may be necessitated by developmental absence, trauma, burn injury, or most commonly, breast cancer requiring mastectomy. The nipple is often viewed as the finishing touch of the entire process, holding considerable symbolic significance for patients that extend beyond the physical realm; patients have reported an improved perception of breast symmetry, softness, and sensitivity, compared with patients who underwent a breast-only reconstruction.
Related Links:
Queensland University of Technology
University of Queensland
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Latest Surgical Techniques News
- Miniaturized Implantable Multi-Sensors Device to Monitor Vessels Health
- Tiny Robots Made Out Of Carbon Could Conduct Colonoscopy, Pelvic Exam or Blood Test
- Miniaturized Ultrasonic Scalpel Enables Faster and Safer Robotic-Assisted Surgery
- AI Assisted Reading Tool for Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy Detects More Lesions
- First-Ever Contact Force Pulsed Field Ablation System to Transform Treatment of Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Caterpillar Robot with Built-In Steering System Crawls Easily Through Loops and Bends
- Tiny Wraparound Electronic Implants to Revolutionize Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
- Small, Implantable Cardiac Pump to Help Children Awaiting Heart Transplant
- Gastrointestinal Imaging Capsule a Game-Changer in Esophagus Surveillance and Treatment
- World’s Smallest Laser Probe for Brain Procedures Facilitates Ablation of Full Range of Targets
- Artificial Intelligence Broadens Diagnostic Abilities of Conventional Coronary Angiography
- AI-Powered Surgical Visualization Tool Supports Surgeons' Visual Recognition in Real Time
- Cutting-Edge Robotic Bronchial Endoscopic System Provides Prompt Intervention during Emergencies
- Handheld Device for Fluorescence-Guided Surgery a Game Changer for Removal of High-Grade Glioma Brain Tumors
- Porous Gel Sponge Facilitates Rapid Hemostasis and Wound Healing
- Novel Rigid Endoscope System Enables Deep Tissue Imaging During Surgery