Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy used to identify foreign materials related to breast implants

Clinically useful methods to identify and document the presence of foreign material in tissues surrounding breast implants are needed. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy is an ideal technique for examining tissue for the presence of implantable biomaterials. Because the spectroscopy is microscopically guided, the pathologist is assured that the obtained spectrum is from the region of interest in a tissue section. Scanning electron microscopy yields elemental data but cannot be used to identify compounds. Because each compound has a unique spectrum by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy, the spectrum obtained enables identification of the various foreign materials observed by light microscopy in tissues surrounding breast implants. Histopathology from implant capsules demonstrating a silicone gel-filled implant, a saline-filled textured implant, a polyurethane foam-covered gel-filled implant, a Dacron fixation patch, and a paraffin injection granuloma are presented with corresponding Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy spectra.