Tension Reduction With Force Modulating Tissue Bridges Reduces Wounds in Breast Surgery
Holly C Wall, Sameer H Halani, Chizoba Mosieri, Charles Daniel, Lucas Gallo, Felmont F Eaves, Christopher J Coroneos- General Medicine
- Surgery
Abstract
Background
Tension on healing wounds increases the risk of dehiscence and poor or pathologic scar formation. Force modulating tissue bridges (FMTB) represent a new class of wound closure and support devices designed to offload tension on healing wounds to improve wound healing and scar outcomes.
Objectives
The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of FMTBs to reduce the risk of wound healing complications in elective breast surgery.
Methods
One hundred twenty-two consecutive patients undergoing bilateral aesthetic breast surgery underwent intraoperative placement of FMTBs on the vertical limb closure site. A matched case-control cohort of 121 consecutive patients was used for comparison. Wounds were considered significant if larger than 3mm in diameter. The primary outcome of breast wound >3mm was reported using a relative risk, and all outcomes were framed with Number Needed to Treat.
Results
The control and intervention cohorts were similar for demographics, comorbidities, type of operation, and incision pattern utilized. Within the FMTB group, 96.7% (n=118) patients completed treatment per protocol. Significant wounds occurred in 1.7% (n=2) of patients in the tissue bridge versus 15.2% (n=19) in controls on a per patient/per protocol basis (89% reduction, p<0.001). Statistically significant improvements were maintained on sensitivity analyses using intention to treat, even when minor wounds were included. There were no complications noted related to use of FMTBs.
Conclusions
FMTBs are safe and highly effective at reducing the risk of wound formation in elective breast surgery. Results are consistent with sensitivity analyses based on clinical and methodological factors. Further research will assess long-term scar outcomes.