New Deep Dermal ADM Incorporates Well in Case Series of Complex Breast Reconstruction Patients

Breast cancer patients with significant comorbidities present reconstructive challenges due to a predictably high complication rate. During expander-based breast reconstruction, human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) is often used to prevent pectoralis muscle retraction, facilitate early expansion, and improve cosmetic outcome. Device infection and chronic seroma have been correlated to the addition of the graft by some large database reports but not others. This study describes the first reported experience with a new deep dermal ADM, FlexHD® Pliable™ (MTF, Edison, NJ). Sixteen breasts in 10 consecutive patients identified retrospectively and followed prospectively had immediate expander-based breast reconstruction utilizing the new ADM. Patient comorbidities were catalogued, complications were recorded, and overall reconstructive success was assessed. At implant exchange, the ADM was examined for tissue ingrowth and biopsied for histologic examination. All 16 breasts had successful reconstructions. Two breasts (12.5%) developed device infection, requiring removal and later replacement of the expander. One breast (6.7%) developed chronic seroma, also requiring expander removal and later replacement. All the complicated patients had significant comorbidities, including obesity in all 3. At expander removal, the FlexHD Pliable showed near-complete visual tissue incorporation in 14 of 16 breasts (88%). This case series demonstrates significant reconstructive success in challenging patients utilizing a novel ADM. Visual and histologic assessment of tissue ingrowth into the graft suggests the high rate of complication may be due to patient comorbidities rather than addition of ADM. Additional experience is needed to confirm and the study is ongoing.