Each year the Toulouse University Hospital supports nearly 1500 patients with breast cancer and 20% of them have to undergo a mastectomy. After this total or partial removal of a breast, women can opt for breast reconstruction or for an external breast prosthesis, placed in a bra to restore volume to the chest. Only concern: the prostheses do not adapt to all morphologies and they often add pain to pain.
A prosthesis that costs 400 euros
This is why theProfessor Charlotte Vayssea surgeon specializing in breast cancer and breast reconstruction in Toulouse University Hospital, is launching a clinical trial with a Toulouse start-up (New Team Médica) for the creation of personalized prostheses using 3D technology. This prosthesis baptized Meavanti, can be completely personalized: breast weight, shape and sizecreation of the nipple, color of the skin… It is worn from the second month in the bra after the operation and up to breast reconstruction.
If the aesthetic interest seems obvious, the prosthesis avoids above all the postural imbalance and the pains which accompany it. But it cost 400 euros and is not reimbursed by the Primary Health Insurance Fund. The results of the clinical trial could make it possible to request the referencing of this personalized prosthesis from the High Health Authority, and thus hope to obtain reimbursement from Social Security.
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