Akademikliniken in Stockholm starts evaluation of TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh for aesthetic breast revision surgery.

Akademikliniken was founded in 1991 and has since become one of the world’s leading private plastic surgery clinics. Established in five European countries, Akademikliniken is a pioneer and leading authority in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Novus Scientific has developed and markets TIGR® Matrix, the world’s first long-term absorbable surgical matrix for reinforcement of soft tissue. TIGR® Matrix is used globally in abdominal wall surgery and in breast reconstructions after cancer operations. The two Swedish companies are collaborating on the evaluation of TIGR® Matrix in aesthetic breast surgery.

Akademikliniken will contribute their competence and important clinical feedback in order to further improve patient outcomes globally. “Our focus is of course always on the patients. We have therefore decided to evaluate TIGR® Matrix for our breast revision procedures and so far it has worked very well, first and foremost with respect to patient benefits but we also aim to see positive longer term effects on our business,” says Dr Per Hedén of Akademikliniken in Stockholm, Sweden. “If the experience of TIGR® Matrix stays positive we will have a new tool to further improve the quality of our surgical procedures and strengthen our position as leaders in plastic surgery.”

TIGR® Matrix is a synthetic long-term absorbable surgical matrix used in breast reconstructions and abdominal wall surgery to support and reinforce weakened soft tissue during a regeneration phase. The evaluation performed at Akademikliniken will focus on patients undergoing surgery for capsular contractures, implant asymmetries and other complications that may follow aesthetic breast surgery. Making use of a synthetic absorbable material for temporary reinforcement increases the likelihood of a successful operation and a pleasing, long-term aesthetic result.

”We have opened up an entirely new field of medical devices and we are leading the development of surgical implants for soft tissue support and regeneration.” says Thomas Engström, CEO & founder of Novus Scientific. “TIGR® Matrix lives up to all requirements of outstanding quality, improved patient care and sound health economics. That the prestigious Akademikliniken chose to share their competence and evaluate TIGR® Matrix in this setting is truly a confirmation of that.”

Alternatives to TIGR® Matrix consist of products made from human or animal cadaveric tissues, or permanent plastic materials, known to be risk factors for allergic complications or chronic pain. TIGR® Matrix represents a new generation of absorbable products for temporary tissue reinforcement where the body’s inherent capacity of healing and regeneration is utilized in order to achieve long-term durable and natural results. 

About TIGR® Matrix – find out more: www.tigrmatrix.com

TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is a degradable surgical matrix made from synthetic resorbable polymers intended to support and reinforce tissue for 6-9 months and absorb completely after 3 years. The product is used for tissue reinforcement in general- and plastic surgery. TIGR® Matrix is CE marked (2011) and has been cleared for marketing by the US FDA (2010).

About Akademikliniken - find out more: www.ak.se

Akademikliniken was founded in Stockholm in 1991 by Drs Per Hedén and Jan Jernbeck. Akademikliniken is one of the world’s leading private clinics for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The business covers a broad spectrum of different plastic surgery procedures and is the only private clinic in Scandinavia that performs advanced microsurgical procedures. In 2010, Akademikliniken performed approximately 5,000 procedures under general anesthesia and 20,000 other treatments. 10% of procedures consist of reconstructive plastic surgery carried out for national and international health care providers. Typical reconstructive procedures include breast reconstruction after cancer, abdominplasties after weight-loss surgery and microsurgical treatment of facial paralysis.