BESPOKE BREAST PROSTHESIS
This project developed and piloted a bespoke breast prosthesis that is custom on the outside and the inside. The breast prosthesis is a perfect fit to the mastectomy site, ensuring comfortable wearing. The prosthesis is an exact replica of the residual breast, providing symmetry across the chest. It is light weight and soft, feeling like a real breast.
This project was completed with the Breast Care Unit in UHL. The prostheses were piloted with 10 women across the Mid-West area, in a patient led iterative design approach. The women were able to give their feedback on the design in order to help improve the product.
3D Scanning
Two scans are taken, a scan of the residual breast in a comfortable well-fitting bra. This is to get the shape of the breast in a bra. A second scan is taken of the mastectomy site to get any of the contours post-surgery.
3D modelling
The first scan is flipped across the chest and combined with the scan of the mastectomy site. This creates a replica breast shape to the other side, and there is an exact match to the mastectomy site.
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The women are also able to pick how soft they would like their prothesis from a range of samples, created from different infill patterns and densities.
3D printing
The breast prosthesis is 3D printed in a soft flexible material. Post-processed and hand finished for the woman.
Publications
public service innovation fund
The Public Service Innovation Fund is a goverment aims to support innovative, technology-based projects from across the Public Service which provide better public services. The bespoke breast prosthesis project was given funding through the PSIF to purchase the equipment needed for the research and development of the bespoke breast prosthesis.
Read more here on Silicone Republic.
