A device to restore touch sensation and reduce pain after breast surgery
Bionic Breast Project: A Neuroprosthesis to Restore Touch Sensation and Reduce Chronic Pain After Mastectomy
This study is testing a new device called the Bionic Breast Device that aims to help women who have had a mastectomy by restoring touch sensations and reducing chronic pain, so if you're a breast cancer survivor looking for ways to improve your quality of life, this could be for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894812 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel device called the Bionic Breast Device (BBD) designed to help women who have undergone mastectomy by restoring touch sensation and alleviating chronic pain. The BBD uses a combination of neural stimulation and a stretchable sensor to detect pressure on the breast area, which can trigger sensations in the breast that have been lost due to surgery. The study aims to implant electrodes that stimulate the intercostal nerves, allowing patients to experience sensations that are typically absent after mastectomy. By participating, patients may contribute to understanding how this technology can improve quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who have recently undergone a mastectomy and are experiencing loss of sensation or chronic pain in the breast area.
Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone mastectomy or those with other unrelated chronic pain conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the quality of life for women post-mastectomy by restoring touch sensation and reducing chronic pain.
How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches using neural stimulation in limb amputees have shown success, suggesting potential for this novel application in breast surgery.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lindau, Stacy Tessler — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Lindau, Stacy Tessler
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.