Research in Focus:

Novel Vertical Scar Therapeutic Mammoplasty Breast Training Simulator – A Feasibility Study

Authors: Laith Alghazawi, Eleni Anastasiou, Stella Mavroveli, Mohamed Attia, Natalie Johnson, Daniel Leff

Year: 2023

Journal: European Journal of Surgical Oncology

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2023.03.059

This “Research in Focus” article showcases SiMPEDIA’s oncoplastic breast simulator, Gaby. We present a pivotal feasibility study exploring the development and expert evaluation of Gaby for vertical scar therapeutic mammoplasty, a complex oncoplastic procedure not yet addressed by existing simulation platforms. As competency-based training becomes the norm, the need for anatomically realistic, high-fidelity simulators in advanced breast surgery is critical.

An iterative design process was applied to optimise key elements such as ptosis, tumour placement, and material response during key surgical steps like de-epithelialisation, pedicle formation, and wound closure. Fourteen breast surgeons performed a vertical therapeutic mammoplasty on the model.

Key Takeaways

  • Feasibility: Among 14 consultant-level breast surgeons, all were able to complete the full therapeutic mammoplasty procedure on the simulator—from skin incision to final closure—demonstrating technical feasibility.
  • Simulator Fidelity: 65% of surgeons rated the model ≥3/5 for operative similarity, with over 90% rating the simulator ≥3/5 for both training usefulness and skill transferability to real clinical practice.
  • User-Informed Design: The simulator evolved through structured feedback cycles, ensuring its design was grounded in real-world operative demands.

Relevance to SiMPEDIA

This study marks a major milestone in SiMPEDIA’s oncoplastic training portfolio. As part of our evidence-led innovation pipeline, SiMPEDIA has developed and refined this vertical scar therapeutic mammoplasty simulator to address a key training gap identified in previous national needs assessments.

The feasibility findings confirm what SiMPEDIA has long championed: that advanced simulation, even for complex reconstructive procedures, is both achievable and valued by expert surgeons. With face and content validity established, this model is now being positioned as a core component in competency-based oncoplastic surgical training.