[Descriptive analysis of the various mammary implants available on European market in 2005]

Laboratories propose a large variety of mammary implants, in which the multiplicity makes it difficult for the surgeons to choose. The objective of this work was to analyze the various features of the implants proposed by manufacturers, in particular the characteristics of the shell, the specificities of the filling, and the morphology of the implants. Nine laboratories sell ten brands of mammary implants on the European market. The laboratories are: Arion, Eurosilicone, Inamed Aesthetics, Mentor, Nagor, Perouse Plastie, Poly Implants Protheses, Polytech Silimed and Sebbin. All laboratories propose smooth or textured surfaces on the shell. Only one laboratory uses a surface covered by micropolyurethane foam. The fillings consist of a saline solution or a silicone gel. One laboratory provides a filling with hydrogel containing carboxymethylcellulose. The forms suggested are round or anatomical. The various models propose a variation on the projection for the round implants and a variation on the height for the anatomical implants. Analysis of the different catalogues makes it possible to underline the lack of precision in the terms of usage, in particular for the description of the form and the texture. It is unfortunate to have very little technical information and no clinical or biological information imposed by the European standard EN 12180. This prevents the surgeon from making his choice according to the real quality of the implants.