Bacterial infection of aesthetic and reconstructive breast implants is a common and expensive problem. Subacute infections or chronic capsular contractures leading to device explantation are the most commonly documented sequelae. Although bench and translational research underscores the complexities of implant-associated infection, high-quality studies with adequate power, control groups, and duration of follow-up are lacking. Common strategies to minimize infections use antibiotics—administered systemically, in the breast implant pocket, or by directly bathing the implant before insertion—to limit bacterial contamination. Limiting contact between the implant and skin or breast parenchyma represents an additional common strategy. The clinical prevention of breast implant infection is challenged by the clean-contaminated nature of breast parenchyma, and the variable behavior of not only specific bacterial species but also their strains. These factors impact bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance.
Faculty
Terence M. Myckatyn, MD; Jesus M. Duran Ramirez, MS; Jennifer N. Walker, PhD; Blake M. Hanson, PhD
Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery®Editors:
Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD
Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD
Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD
Intended Audience
This educational activity is intended for all CME-related persons including plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals.
Learning Objectives
After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:
- Understand how bacteria negatively impact aesthetic and reconstructive breast implants.
- Understand how bacteria infect breast implants.
- Understand the evidence associated with common implant infection-prevention strategies, and their limitations.
- Understand why implementation of bacteria-mitigation strategies such as antibiotic administration or “no-touch” techniques may not indefinitely prevent breast implant infection.
Accreditation
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Designation
The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of1.0AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Recognition StatementThe Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.
Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.
Disclosure Policy
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all faculty, authors, planners, reviewers, managers, staff and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. The ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of a product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.
Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.
The following planners/faculty members/reviewers have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:
Terence M. Myckatyn, MD; Jesus M. Duran Ramirez, MS; Jennifer N. Walker, PhD; Blake M. Hanson, PhD
AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM:1.0
Patient Safety Credit:0.5
Media:Journal Article, video
Release Date:10/20/2023
Expiration Date: 10/20/2026
Estimated time to complete this course:1 hour
*Course access ends on course expiration date
Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)
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