MORPHOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF TISSUE-EXPANDER SHAPE USING A BIOMECHANICAL MODEL

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.