Is ultracision knife safe and efficient for breast capsulectomy? A preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Silicone breast implants are widely used in plastic surgery.
• Capsular contracture is a significant complication following breast augmentation.
• Effective surgical management for capsular contracture is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of an ultracision knife for ventral capsulectomy in patients with breast implant capsular contracture.
• To compare the ultracision knife technique with conventional surgical methods.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center, randomized study included female patients aged 20-80 with Baker grade 3-4 capsular contracture.
• Ventral capsulectomy was performed using an ultracision knife on one side and conventional instruments on the contralateral side.
• Outcomes assessed included operative time, pain scores, drainage, tissue preservation, and histological analysis.

Main Results:

• The ultracision knife group demonstrated significantly lower pain scores, shorter operative times, and reduced drainage volume and duration.
• More remaining breast tissue was preserved when using the ultracision knife.
• Histologic analysis revealed no apoptotic cells in either the study or control groups.

Conclusions:

• Ventral capsulectomy using the ultracision knife is a feasible, safe, and efficient alternative for managing Baker grade 3-4 capsular contracture.
• The ultracision knife technique shows advantages over blunt dissection and monopolar diathermy with a minimal learning curve.