Broward Health Imperial Point (BHIP) is the first hospital in South Florida to offer AeroForm® Tissue Expander System for women undergoing breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. This technique represents the first major change in breast tissue expansion in more than 40 years.The device, which was developed by AirXpanders, is inserted underneath the chest muscle, similar to a saline-filled expander, and activated by a handheld wireless controller. The controller triggers a valve to release small amounts of carbon dioxide to gradually stretch the tissue of the chest wall to make room for a long-term breast implant. The patient activates the device by pushing a button a technique they can do from home or work to reduce the number of doctor visits. In the past, patients had to return to the doctor repeatedly for saline injections to stretch the tissue.
Once fully expanded, the device is removed and replaced with a long-term breast implant.
Research shows that patients using the AeroForm® device completed tissue expansion in an average of 21 days, compared to 46 days for those undergoing saline expansion. Those who utilized the AeroForm® device also progressed to breast implantation one month faster on average than the saline group.iii
“This is a significant step forward for breast reconstruction. It offers patients enhanced comfort and convenience and provides them with a sense of control in their breast cancer recovery,” said Tracey Stokes, M.D., a plastic surgeon with Broward Health.
