Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Anatomical Landmarks for Chest Wall Perforators Used for Partial Breast Reconstruction

This 6-month study is looking for the best ways to find key blood vessels in the chest wall, which are called 'perforators'. These vessels are important for a type of breast reconstruction where surgeons use a patient's own tissue to rebuild the breast after cancer surgery. Currently, finding these vessels can take a lot of time during an operation. By mapping their locations using common body landmarks, the researchers hope to make this process quicker and easier for surgeons. This could lead to better results for patients needing partial breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Breast Cancer Female

What is this study about?

When someone has breast cancer, doctors often try to remove only the part of the breast where the cancer is, which is called 'breast-conserving surgery'. To make sure the breast looks as natural as possible afterward, surgeons often fill the space where tissue was removed. This can be done by moving nearby breast tissue or by using a 'flap' – a section of skin, fat, and blood vessels taken from another part of the body, often from the side or underneath the breast.

To use these tissue flaps, surgeons need to find specific small blood vessels, called 'perforators', which keep the flap alive. Currently, finding these vessels can be tricky and time-consuming during surgery. Surgeons often rely on information from studies done on donated bodies because there isn't much information about where these vessels are in living people, especially in relation to easy-to-spot points on the body.

This study, which will last for 6 months, aims to create a detailed map of where these important blood vessels are located on the chest wall. They will do this by comparing their positions to various body landmarks like bones or soft tissue. The goal is to make it simpler and quicker for surgeons to find these vessels during operations, ultimately helping patients achieve better results after breast reconstruction.

Key takeaways

This study helps surgeons improve breast reconstruction after cancer.
It aims to map important blood vessels in the chest.
Participation involves a single, quick scan with a special device.
It could make breast reconstruction quicker and more successful for future patients.
Your involvement is voluntary and will not affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are at least 18 years old and are planning to have breast surgery. You would need to be in good general health, and your body mass index (BMI) should be 30 or less.

There are certain situations where you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, have had surgery on both breasts or underarms before, or are having certain complex breast surgeries. If you're due for surgery very soon (within 24 hours of being asked to join), or if you have allergies to the gel used in ultrasound scans, you also wouldn't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you female and aged 18 or older?
Are you having planned breast surgery?
Is your BMI (Body Mass Index) 30 or less?
Are you able and willing to follow study instructions and give your permission?
Have you NOT had surgery on both breasts or underarms before?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll receive some information about the study and a consent form to review beforehand. On the day of your appointment or before your surgery, you will have a special 30-minute assessment. During this time, a hand-held device called a Doppler will be used gently on your chest to find and map out the blood vessels. This device is similar to those used to listen to a baby's heartbeat during pregnancy. The study won't involve any medication or follow-up visits beyond this single assessment.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is that the information gathered from you and others will help improve breast reconstruction techniques for future patients. This could lead to quicker and more successful surgeries. The risks are very low; you might experience a slight discomfort from the hand-held Doppler device, and there's a minor risk of a reaction if you're allergic to ultrasound gels, but this will be checked beforehand. Remember, you can decide to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'perforator'?

Perforators are small blood vessels that pass through muscles or other tissues to reach the skin and fat. They are like tiny pipelines that supply blood, and they are important when surgeons use your own tissue for reconstruction.

Why is this study important for breast cancer patients?

It's important because it aims to make breast reconstruction surgery easier and more effective for women after breast cancer. By helping surgeons find the right blood vessels faster, it can lead to better results and a more natural look.

Will taking part in this study affect my breast surgery?

No, taking part in this study will not affect your planned breast surgery. The assessment is a separate step that helps gather information for research purposes.

Is the Doppler scan painful?

No, the Doppler scan is generally not painful. It's a non-invasive test where a small device is moved over your skin with some gel, similar to an ultrasound you might have during pregnancy.

How long will I be in the study?

Your involvement in the study is limited to a single 30-minute assessment using the hand-held Doppler device. There are no ongoing visits or treatments involved for you.

How to find out more

Aviva Ogbolosingha

aviva.ogbolosingha@uhnm.nhs.uk 01782675380 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.