Implant surfaces
Microthane®
One of the principle considerations for any elective operations, e. g. breast reconstruction or augmentation, is to minimize the number of complications.
The most common complication of breast-implant surgery is capsular contracture. Implants coated with Microthane® (micropolyurethane foam) have been developed to minimize the capsular contracture rate, as well reduce implant dislocation and rotation.
In extensive clinical studies over the past twenty years reviewing large numbers of patients, the capsular contracture rates (Baker classification III–IV) have been determined.
The capsular contracture rate for Microthane®-coated implants in virgin tissue is 0–9 % compared to 9–50 % for other implants. In most of the large studies, the capsular contracture rate for Microthane®-coated implants is as low as 0–3 %1).
An extensive long-term study carried out in the United States using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis confirms the significant reduction of the risk for capsular contracture with Microthane®-coated implants for up to 10 years after implantation. The statistics show that after 8 years the capsular contracture rate with Microthane®-coated implants compared to textured implants is 15 % lower. It is even 30 % lower compared to smooth implants 2).
Patients with Microthane® implants are better protected against capsular contracture for up to 10 years after implantation.
Additionally, the average period until reoperation after Microthane®-implant insertion is longer than with smooth or textured implants.
Due to the Microthane® implants’ tissue ingrowth, implant dislocation and rotation have not been described. All advantages of Microthane® implants combined drastically reduce the total complication rate for the patient.
For more information on Microthane®, please download the product leaflet (PDF) here.
For more information on the Dolsky implantation technique of Microthane® implants, please download the information leaflet (PDF) here.
References:
- Handel, 1991; Pennisi, 1990; Shapiro, 1989;Hester et al., 2001; Baudelot, 1989; Gasperoni, 1992; Hermann, 1984; Eyssen, 1984; Schatten, 1984; Artz, 1988; Vázquez, 2007
- Handel, 2006
POLYtxt®
The idea behind the design of the textured, i.e. structured or roughened-up, implant surface had been to get capsular contracture rates as low as with the Microthane implants and the easy implantability of smooth implants.
In fact, this surface is known for its reliability and has been proven to contribute to a reduction of capsular contracture rates. Textured-implant contracture rates are 8–15% (Iwuagwu + Frame, 1997), which is 15% less than with smooth implants (Handel, 2006).