Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Feasibility of Imaging Breast Implants With a Transmission-based Microwave Scanner

This study is exploring a new, gentle scanning method using microwaves to check breast implants. Many women have breast implants, and it's important to monitor them over time for issues like ruptures. Currently, this often involves expensive or uncomfortable scans like MRI. We want to see if our microwave scanner can successfully image breasts with implants, identify the implants clearly, and if it could offer a lower-cost, more comfortable alternative. The main goal is to test if this technology can help in regularly checking implants in a simple way, without using X-rays or requiring a lot of time and resources found in clinics.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Calgary

Enrolment target

Start

15 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

15 Nov 2026

Breast - Female

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a new, gentler way to check breast implants using a special microwave scanner. Many women choose to have breast implants, and over time, there's a small chance an implant could develop a leak or break, which doctors call a "rupture." Sometimes, these ruptures don't cause any symptoms, especially with silicone implants, so it's important to monitor them.

Currently, checking implants often involves having an MRI scan or an ultrasound. However, MRIs can be expensive, sometimes uncomfortable, and hard to access for many people. While mammograms (X-ray scans for breast health) are common, they're not ideal for checking implants because they use radiation and can push the implants, making it harder to see the breast tissue properly. This means there's a real need for an easier, more comfortable, and affordable way to keep an eye on breast implants regularly.

That's where microwave scanning comes in. This study wants to see if a microwave scanner can show breast implants clearly. It uses very low-power microwaves, so it doesn't heat the body or have any known side effects, making it a potentially safer and more comfortable option for regular checks. If successful, this technology could become a simple tool for clinics to monitor implants, helping women take care of their breast health without discomfort or high costs.

Key takeaways

This study tests a new, gentle microwave scanner for breast implants.
It aims to see if implants can be seen and identified clearly.
The scan is low power, with no known side effects or radiation.
It could offer a more comfortable and affordable way to check implants.
Participation involves a single, short visit.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a woman at least 18 years old and have breast implants that were put in at least six months ago. We're looking for women who either don't have any symptoms of an implant rupture, or who already know they have a rupture.

However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an active breast infection, this study isn't suitable for you. Also, if you have nipple piercings that you can't remove, or if you have any electronic devices implanted in your body, you won't be able to participate. Finally, you need to be able to comfortably place your breast into the scanning device.

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 a woman aged 18 or over?
Do you have breast implants that were placed at least 6 months ago?
Are you able to place your breast comfortably into a scanning device?
Are you NOT currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have an active breast infection?
Do you NOT have any electronic devices implanted in your body?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves a single visit to the clinic. During this visit, you will have your breast implants scanned using a new microwave device. It's a gentle process, and you won't feel any heating or discomfort. There are no medications involved and no follow-up visits planned for this particular study. The total time for your participation, including explaining the study and performing the scans, will be relatively short, likely within an hour or so.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of participating is helping researchers understand if this new, gentle microwave scanning technology can effectively check breast implants. This could lead to a more comfortable, affordable, and accessible way for many women to monitor their implants in the future. As for risks, microwave imaging uses very low power and does not cause heating or have any known side effects, making it a very safe procedure. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Demsey Plastic Surgery Clinic
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada

Common questions

What is a microwave scan like?

It's a very gentle scan that uses low-power microwaves. You won't feel any heating or discomfort during the scan.

Will this study check if my implant is ruptured?

The study aims to see if the scanner can identify implants and if it could potentially help detect ruptures. It's an early-stage study to test the technology.

Are there any X-rays or radiation involved?

No, this scanning method uses microwaves, not X-rays, so there's no radiation exposure.

How long does a scan take?

The scanning process itself is quite quick, and your total visit for the study will likely be under an hour.

Will I get results from my scan?

This is a research study to test the technology's capabilities. Individual scan results may not be provided as part of this initial phase.

How to find out more

Anita Garland

anita.garland@ucalgary.ca 403-703-1664 Official trial record

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