Effect of breast implants on mammography.
We developed an experimental, reproducible method of evaluating the radiographic characteristics of breast implants in vitro using a mammographic phantom and a cadaver. Implant shells tested included smooth silicone, textured silicone, and silicone coated with polyurethane foam. Each type of shell was subsequently filled with saline, silicone gel, and peanut oil; the images were recorded radiographically. Textured silicone and smooth silicone shells minimally impair detection of artifacts. Polyurethane-coated shells are less radiolucent but allow visualization of some microcalcifications. Saline and silicone-gel-filled implants are radiopaque regardless of shell type. Textured silicone and smooth silicone shells filled with peanut oil are radiolucent and allow visualization of microcalcifications and most soft-tissue masses. These data demonstrate that radiolucent breast implants are possible, and further efforts are under way to achieve Food and Drug Administration approval for clinical testing.
Young
V L
VL
Division of Plastic Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Mo.
Lund
H
H
Destouet
J
J
Pidgeon
L
L
Ueda
K
K
D001940:Breast; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011140:Polyurethanes; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012828:Silicones
D011140:Polyurethanes; D012828:Silicones