Custom 3D-printed breast molds made with smart computer design
Clinical decision-support algorithms for interactive design of patient-specific breast molds
This project uses computer-guided design and 3D printing to create custom breast molds to help people having autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141198 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use medical imaging and decision-support algorithms to generate patient-specific 3D shapes that reflect each person’s goals for breast form. Those designs will be 3D-printed as molds and used by surgeons during autologous (tissue-based) breast reconstruction. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive surgery with the custom molds or usual care, and the team will track appearance outcomes, need for revision surgeries, and recovery over time. The trial aims to show whether personalized molds lead to better cosmetic results and fewer additional operations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are feminine-presenting individuals planning autologous (tissue-based) breast reconstruction after mastectomy who can travel to the Houston-area study sites and want a personalized breast shape.
Not a fit: People who are having implant-based reconstruction, are not candidates for autologous procedures, cannot attend the Houston study site, or prefer standard methods may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better-shaped reconstructions, fewer revision surgeries, and higher patient satisfaction.
How similar studies have performed: Small proof-of-concept studies have shown making patient-specific molds is feasible, but rigorous randomized trials of clinical benefit have been lacking.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Houston — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merchant, Fatima Aziz — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Merchant, Fatima Aziz
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.