Image: The Keller Funnel (Photo courtesy of Keller Medical).

A novel device used in the delivery of silicone gel implants during breast enlargement procedures helps reduce breast skin-flora contamination by more than 50% over the standard technique.

The Keller Funnel is designed to facilitate and improve the delivery of silicone gel implants by allowing surgeons to use a minimal or no-touch technique during breast augmentation procedures. Instead of the finger pushing and thrusting motion required by a surgeon to successfully place an implant in the traditional method, the tip of the Keller Funnel is inserted into the incision, and the doctor gently propels the implant into the newly created breast pocket, while protecting the implant from contacting the skin, which could lead to reduced patient infection rates and reduced capsular contracture.

In a cadaver study conducted at Emory University (Atlanta, GA, USA), the researchers concluded that the Keller Funnel significantly reduced the amount of skin contact and potential contamination during breast implantation. The study was published in the February 2012 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Other benefits to women include significantly reducing force on the implant shell, which can prevent a future rupture, shortening incision lengths, and minimizing postoperative bruising and swelling. The Keller Funnel is a product of Keller Medical (Stuart, FL, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Based on a recent survey among 300 surgeons with varying degrees of experience using the Funnel, we know that the device improves the delivery of silicone implants by making the procedure easier, and that doctors believe it reduces the introduction of contaminants thought to be the major cause of capsular contracture,” said Howard Preissman, CEO of Keller Medical.

Capsular contracture is a painful condition where breasts feel hardened and become distorted. It occurs in 10%-15% of all women who undergo breast augmentation procedures, and is the most common complication requiring reoperation. Multiple factors likely cause contracture, with infection being one of the most significant contributors.

Guangzhou Jia Yu medical equipment Limited