Key Points
Capsular contracture is the leading adverse event following breast implant surgery, and it is believed to result from subclinical bacterial colonization and the formation of biofilms within the breast pocket. The good news: A novel biodegradable antibiotic-impregnated sleeve that wraps around the implant proves to be very effective in preventing this feared complication. "We know the use of triple antibiotic irrigations has resulted in a reduction of capsular contracture, and up-and-coming new and improved products such as a novel antibiotic-eluting product look to be even better in the prevention of this complication," he adds. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS For several years, Dr. Adams has been researching the antibiotic effect of an antimicrobial-impregnated biodegradable wrap called the AIGISRx (TyRx Pharma), which has proven to effectively reduce the colonization of bacteria in breast implant surgery, thereby reducing the chances of developing capsular contracture. The product may be placed under the implant or placed like a sleeve that envelops the implant itself and can provide superior bacterial and biofilm coverage for approximately one month postoperatively.The product was originally designed to fully surround the breast implant and has already proven its efficacy in multiple in vitro and animal trials with regard to preventing capsular contracture. The surgeon can place the implant in its entirety into the wrap, but the alternative design is placed under the implant (for use with textured implants), allowing implants to integrate with the surrounding tissue, particularly anteriorly. This integration may be wanted in textured implants, and it is particularly desired at the top and sides of the implant. REVEALING RESEARCH In order to establish the potential of the AIGISRx, Dr. Adams recently conducted a study in 16 rabbits, in which eight received an implant without the AIGISRx (control rabbits) and another eight received implants with the AIGISRx (experimental rabbits). In the experimental rabbits, the AIGISRx was placed only under the implant, not covering the top and sides of the implant, allowing for unimpeded integration between implant and breast tissue. All pockets at all surgical sites were then inoculated with a common bacterial strain. Surgical sites were followed up at seven and 28 days and were assessed one month post-procedure via culture, histology, applanation tonometry and capsular thickness. Results showed that the control group demonstrated significant inflammation and infection, whereas the experimental group that received the antibiotic coverage with the sleeve had none. The cultures, histology and applanation tonometry exams demonstrated that the rabbits that received only the implant had a statistically significant higher capsular contracture compared with those in which the antibiotic sleeve was used. "Even when only placed at the bottom of the implant in the pocket, the AIGISRx sleeve was able to prevent inflammation, infection, as well as capsular contracture, underscoring its novel antibiotic efficacy against those bacteria that cause biofilms in breast implant surgery," Dr. Adams says. |