Plexāā announced that it launched its Bloom43 wearable preconditioning medical device for breast surgery in the U.S.
The Los Angeles-based company launched the unique combination of the wearable device and app developed to prepare patients for breast surgery. Earlier this year, it inked a manufacturing deal for the platform ahead of its planned launch. In July, the company also brought in $4.5 million to support the rollout.
Bloom43, worn at home prior to surgery, uses a technique called Supraphysiological Preconditioning to boost skin resilience. The technique supports wound healing and helps prevent post-operative complications associated with breast procedures.
Plexāā says its device precisely heats the skin at the intended surgical site. The pre-operative procedure stimulates the release of heat shock proteins, enhancing blood flow. Combined with the Prehab program delivered through its companion app, the platform provides advice on areas like pre-op nutrition and physical health to help prepare patients for surgery.
“Patients always ask what they can do to ready themselves for breast surgery, and, in fact, a recent survey of 141 patients showed that the majority feel both physically and mentally underprepared, at 61% and 71% respectively,” said Dr. Saahil Mehta, CEO and founder of Plexāā. “With Bloom43, women now have a way to make critical improvements to tissue health before the first incision. We designed our device, as well as its novel companion app, to empower and support patients at every step of the journey.”
More about the Plexāā device and its features
According to Plexāā, breast surgery carries risks for all cases, including oncological, reconstructive or cosmetic. Wound complications can occur in up to 30% of reconstruction or implant procedures, the company said. These often require antibiotics, hospitalization or reoperation.
Skin necrosis (tissue death) may also occur as a result of compromised blood flow. That can lead to additional procedures to remove damaged tissue, delaying healing and additional treatment and requiring further surgeries. Altogether, it can lead to longer recoveries, higher costs and patient distress.
Bloom43, a fully wearable, non-invasive, drug-free device, can be placed over the breast hours before surgery — typically the night before. It features ultra-precise, sensor-controlled thermal preconditioning and a hands-free, portable form factor. The app includes a repository of evidence-based content on breast surgery dedicated to patients and providing guidance, expert content and personalized programs within a supportive community.
It boosts tissue blood flow and resilience and decreases the risk of skin necrosis by 24%. Plexāā says its device reduces the number of required follow-up surgeries by 50% and reduces hospital stays by two days and outpatient follow-ups by 70%.
“The hardest part about having cancer is losing control. As a nine-year breast cancer survivor, my journey has included eight breast surgeries. Three of those surgeries resulted in healing complications, including skin necrosis,” said Nichole W. Owens, the first patient in the U.S. to incorporate Bloom43 prior to surgery. “By using the Bloom43 device before my most recent surgery, I felt empowered and prepared because I had done everything I could to have a successful outcome.”
