Dc. Hammond et al., MORPHOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF TISSUE-EXPANDER SHAPE USING A BIOMECHANICAL MODEL, Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 92(2), 1993, pp. 255-259
Using a biomechanical model designed to reproduce the forces exerted b
y the soft tissues of the chest wall, the contours created by several
currently available round as well as anatomically shaped tissue expand
ers were evaluated. Parameters that describe expander shape were defin
ed, the most useful of which proved to be the point of maximal project
ion and the percentage of upper pole deformity. Direct comparison of s
even different expanders with respect to these variables revealed the
anatomically shaped expanders to offer improved contours over traditio
nal round designs. Continuing modifications in expander design should
focus on lowering the point of maximal projection and minimizing the u
pper pole deformity.