Revolutionary 'Bionic Breast' Offers Sensation Restoration for Cancer Survivors
Scientists are developing a "bionic breast" device that could restore sensation to breast cancer survivors who have undergone mastectomies and reconstructive surgeries. The device, which would be implanted in the skin of the chest, aims to address the loss of sensation and sexual satisfaction experienced by many patients. The team has received $4 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to start testing parts of the device in patients as early as next year. The device uses artificial pressure sensors and implanted electrodes to stimulate intercostal nerves, which relay signals to the brain as sensation. The research may have potential applications beyond breast cancer survivors.