The design and engineering of the MemoryShape breast implant.

Abstract

The recent approval of MemoryShape implant by the Food and Drug Administration introduces a novel implant available to the surgeon for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. These implants are unique due to the texture of the shell, the anatomic shape and dimensions, the degree of cross-linking of the gel, and relative form stability. The cross-linking, form stability, and cohesiveness of these implants provide surgeons with an innovative tool to more closely create a natural breast in both shape and youthful firmness. A review of the MemoryShape design and engineering will provide a foundation for understanding how these unique features may affect the performance and ultimate outcome when utilizing these devices. A review of the clinical implications of these design features highlights differences as compared with the more familiar MemoryGel round implants, as well as to other shaped form stable devices currently available in the United States.