ROME, ITALY – On February 3–4, 2024, Advanced Biomedical Concept (ABC) hosted a premier international educational initiative titled “Mastering the Prepectoral Plane.” This intensive two-day summit gathered 23 leading distributors and surgeons from around the world to explore the cutting edge of implant-based breast reconstruction and the integration of next-generation biomaterials.
Day 1: Clinical Foundations and Technical Innovation
The program opened with high-level scientific lectures focusing on the shift toward pectoralis-sparing techniques. Silvia Segales Santolaria, Business Development Manager at ABC, led a rigorous training session on product integration, Prof. Roy de Vita provided a comprehensive clinical overview, emphasizing precise patient selection and the advantages of the prepectoral plane in preserving the pectoralis major muscle and Dr. Marcello Pozzi followed with a technical deep-dive into surgical nuances.
The cornerstone of the day was the Exashape Bioshield Pocket, a patented, pre-shaped bilayer bovine pericardium-based biological mesh (ABPM).
The training emphasized Exashape’s unique bilayer architecture:
- Compact Side: Specifically designed to interface with the implant, minimizing foreign body reaction.
- Porous Side: Engineered to interface with the skin flap, promoting rapid neoangiogenesis and stable tissue integration.
- Workflow Efficiency: The pre-shaped “pocket” geometry allows for total implant wrapping in under 60 seconds, significantly reducing operative time and minimizing the window for potential contamination.
Day 2: 3D Live Surgery and Hybrid Reconstruction
The second day transitioned to the IFO – Istituto Nazionale Tumori Regina Elena – Istituto Dermatologico San Gallicano for live surgical demonstrations performed by Prof. Roy De Vita, Dr. Pozzi, Dr. Andrea Zoccali.
In a landmark technological achievement for the facility, the surgeries were broadcast using stereoscopic 3D visualization technology in collaboration with treesse Srl. Utilizing 3D glasses, the international delegation achieved a “bird’s-eye view” of the surgical field, providing unprecedented depth perception of anatomical planes and the prepectoral space.
Beyond the placement of the biological mesh, the faculty demonstrated the EXAFAT® system: ABC’s dedicated breast-focused fat grafting solution. This showcased a “hybrid” reconstructive approach, combining prepectoral implants with purified autologous fat to optimize soft-tissue coverage and deliver superior aesthetic outcomes.
The impact of this high-definition visualization was echoed by the participating surgeons. Dr. Alhenouf Alotaibi, Breast Oncoplasty Surgeon from King Fahad Medical City – KFMC (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), highlighted the transformative nature of the training:
“The 3D glasses make everything so real! You actually see better from the screen than standing next to the operating surgeon,” noted Dr. Alotaibi. Reflecting on the technology itself, she added that the Exashape™ system is “versatile and easy to handle,” emphasizing the operational simplicity it brings to complex reconstructive cases.
A Vision for the Future of Reconstruction
At ABC, our core principle is simple: patients deserve a future where medical technology enhances their quality of life, not complicates it. By leading the shift toward prepectoral reconstruction and providing advanced tools like EXAFAT® and Exashape™, we are ensuring that patients worldwide benefit from muscle-sparing techniques, reduced pain, and superior aesthetic outcomes. We are proud to be at the forefront of a technological revolution that puts the human experience first.
Elevate Your Surgical Practice
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The Exashape™ Bioshield Pocket and EXAFAT® system are Class III/IIb medical devices. All clinical applications and claims mentioned herein are subject to the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745).
