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Proposed Infrared Wound Device For Use After Breast Reconstruction
Logan Grant Galbraith, BA1, Daniel Moy, BS1, Mohammad Fahad Butt, BS1, Arya Andre Akhavan, MD2.
1Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Medicine, Rootstown, OH, USA, 2Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
Northeast Ohio Medical University
2023-01-15
Presenter: Logan Galbraith
Affidavit:
Logan Grant Galbraith, Daniel Moy, Mohammad Fahad Butt
Director Name: Arya Andre Akhavan
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: Breast (Aesthetic and Recon.)
PURPOSE:
Many breast procedures have long incisions in high-tension or weighted areas of the breast; these incisions may lead to widened scar, hypertrophic scarring, or keloid formation. The literature suggests that infrared light is an effective treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids, acting both on mitochondria and cytokines including TGF-b and IL-6 to promote productive remodeling. There is no currently proposed medical device that targets treatment or prevention of keloids and hypertrophic scars in the setting of breast surgery.
METHODS:
Input and opinions were gathered from experts regarding the treatment of breast scars with infrared light, potential delivery mechanisms, positioning of lighting devices, and other factors relevant to the proposed device development. Physician feedback was iteratively used to develop a device delivering therapy without unwanted delivery to other areas of the body.
RESULTS:
The proposed device consists of two parts, a detachable re-usable power source and an adhesive light source. The detachable power source is designed to be lightweight and can be easily attached to and removed from the lighting source. The lighting source consists of a disposable, translucent peel-and-stick light-diffusing plate, with a built-in skin-safe adhesive. The adhesive is used to directly adhere the lighting source to the breast scar.
CONCLUSION:
The present device is a modular, targeted infrared light delivery system that may be worn under clothing, designed to treat hypertrophic scarring and keloids of the breast. This inexpensive, easy-to-use product is broadly applicable, and may save patients time, discomfort, and expense associated with other treatment modalities.
