Making surgical procedures easier is a lofty goal. Just when you think that there isn't much more that can be improved, a device comes along that improves the procedure for both the patient and the physician. The Keller Funnel helps surgeons place implants through small incisions in breast augmentation surgery, and offers the patient post-surgical benefits as well.
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Capsular contracture is a condition associated with breast implants when a hardened shell of tissue forms around the implant. To break up this hardening, the physician will either apply pressure, literally pushing on the shell to break it, or there are surgical options where the physician will lance the shell to break it. It's not 100% clear why contracture occurs, but it is theorized that it could be due to infection or even the talc on the doctor's gloves. As described on The Doctors with the Keller Funnel No Touch method, the physician never has to actually touch the implant, greatly reducing the risk for infections.
This technique uses the Keller funnel device to help place the implant while avoiding any touch from the surgeon's glove. Dr. Johan Brahme of La Jolla, CA uses the Keller Funnel and describes, "The Keller Funnel is lined with a slick coating which allows the implant to be easily squeezed through the opening." If you imagine a pastry chef's bag for piping icing, the funnel looks similar. Wide at one end and small at the other, the implant is unpackaged, placed into the bag, and inserted into the breast, avoiding any physician touch
The Keller Funnel also helps the physician avoid additional trauma to surrounding tissues and get the large implant through the small incision. Silicone breast implants are often preferred to saline because the gel looks and feels more like a natural breast, but they come pre-filled with the gel. During surgery it is difficult to place the pre-filled implant in the breast through the small incision the physician makes. Dr. Brahme says that the funnel should work with any brand of implant, he doesn't know if the funnel would work well with textured implants, which are rarely used anymore.
Dr. Brahme says that the implant can still be placed above or below the muscle, and the funnel offers a level of transparency so the physician can see what they're doing. "You can see the markings on the implant through the funnel which ensures correct placement." The funnels aren't re-used, there is only one per case, and because they save so much time in the operating room, they don't have any additional cost for the patient.
Patients can enjoy a smaller scar, less risk of post surgery infection and a lower risk of capsular contracture with this simple funnel device - and at no additional cost. The patient also still has a choice of incision locations, so it's a win-win-win!
