Summary:
Researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UCLA have developed a new and improved drainage system for the removal of silicone from ruptured breast implants.
Background:
The removal of ruptured silicone breast implants has become increasingly common. Free silicone, a sticky and gelatinous substance, tends to adhere to tissue, making it challenging for surgeons to thoroughly remove it from native breast tissue. This can result in residual free silicone within the breast, posing additional complications. Currently, there are four methods for silicone removal: large incisions with en-bloc removal, manual extraction, use of a 60cc Toomey syringe with the plunger removed, and aspiration with suction. However, each method has significant limitations. En-bloc and manual techniques often fail to achieve controlled, complete removal. The limited capacity of the 60cc syringe can lead to silicone spillage, while aspiration is prone to clogging due to the thick, gelatinous nature of the silicone. These challenges highlight a critical need for a new removal system that can effectively address the limitations of existing methods for improved patient outcomes.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers in the Department of Plastic Surgery have developed a new drainage system for the removal of ruptured silicone breast implants. This system enables controlled removal using specialized suction tubing. It features a 1000cc capacity container with suction on one end and a 1-inch diameter spout on the other, designed to efficiently handle the volume and viscosity of free silicone. Unlike traditional Davol drains, this system is designed without a bulb, balloon, or stopper, allowing for smoother operation. This innovation has the potential to minimize complications from residual free silicone, streamline the removal process, and standardize silicone breast implant removal surgeries.
Potential Applications:
• Silicone Breast Implant Removal
• Other silicone implant removals
• Reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries
• General surgery drainage systems
• Emergency medicine
Advantages:
• Controlled suction of silicone
• High-capacity container
• Minimized spillage
• Streamlined and standardized surgical removal
• Cost-effective and user-friendly design
• Improved patient outcomes and safety
State of Development:
The inventors are seeking partners to develop the drainage system.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2020-490
Lead Inventor:
Jaco Festekjian, UCLA Surgeon in the Department of Plastic Surgery