Fibro Placa: Innovative 3D-Printed Product for Fibrosis Reduction in a Patient with Secondary Lymphedema after Breast Cancer
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32635/2176-9745.RBC.2025v71n4.5336Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms, Breast Cancer Lymphedema, Fibrosis, Printing, Three-Dimensional, Physical Therapy ServicesAbstract
Introduction: Lymphedema is one of the most common complications associated with breast cancer treatment, especially as a result of surgical interventions in the axillary region. This complication results in the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial space, leading to edema. It is progressive in nature, and in more advanced stages fibrosis develops, which compromises the function of the lymphatic system by reducing lymphatic drainage capacity and, consequently, decreasing the effectiveness of conservative treatments. Objective: To develop a 3D-printed product capable of optimizing conservative treatment in fibrotic areas of secondary lymphedema after breast cancer. Method: The product, named Fibro Placa, was developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration between the fields of Physiotherapy and Design and was printed using TPU filament on an Ender 5 Plus 3D printer. After fabrication, the product was placed within multilayer compression bandaging over the fibrotic area –posterolateral and proximal portion of the left forearm – of a patient with secondary lymphedema after breast cancer. The intervention lasted 12 weeks and was evaluated using left forearm perimetry, delineation of the fibrotic area, and ultrasonography of the same region. Results: There was a reduction in limb circumference, fibrotic area, and fibrous tissue thickness. Conclusion: The Fibro Placa was able to produce beneficial results for the treatment of this patient’s fibrotic area and may contribute to fibrosis management in the conservative treatment of lymphedema.
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