Keller funnel pros and cons?

Question

Pros and cons of Keller funnel? If they are so great why don't all surgeons use them? Do they really make a huge difference in the size of your scars when going through th crease?

David L. Mobley, MD, FACS · Answer

In addition to new Style 410 tear-drop shaped implants, a second important innovation, the Keller Funnel, has changed how implants are placed into the breast pocket. Most implants are now placed under the pectoralis major muscle, which improves appearance and reduces the chance of hardening (capsularcontracture). Capsular contracture rates are also less if the implant never comes in contactwith the skin during the procedure. The Keller Funnel makes this possible. It workslike a cake decorator’s cornet for icing a cake. Once the pocket is ready, the implant isplaced into this sterile cone-shaped plastic funnel. The implant is then literally squeezedinto the pocket without ever touching the skin or the surgeon’s gloves.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Not many cons to using the Keller Funnel other than cost.The pros are:Less trauma to the implant which can cause implant fracture and failureLess chance of bacterial contamination which can result in capsular contractureSmaller incisionLess traume to the patient when inserting the implant.

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

The Keller funnel is not necessary but it does decrease the incision length, risk for contamination, and damage to the implant and surrounding skin. It's the no-touch technique and it's the smoothest way to insert the implant.  I use it every time I'm inserting an implant.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Sharp1011Thank you for your question!  The Keller funnel is GENIUS !!  It takes 3 seconds to place 2 implants via a 2.5 centimeter incision( 1 ") for most patients.  The cost of the surgery time alone is worth the $ of the funnel.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Bryan G. Forley, MD · Answer

The Keller Funnel is an excellent device for placement of an implant because it enables the use of a smaller incision and avoids direct contact of the implant with the skin as it is being inserted. It is thought that avoiding direct contact with the skin may decrease the risk of developing capsular contracture.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

There are several advantages to the funnel:- less handling of the implant, so less likelihood of bacterial contamination- the implant can usually be inserted through a smaller incision- less chance of permanent implant distortion because it is not being pushed into the implant pocket by the surgeon's fingersThe main disadvantage is the cost, and it is a single use device.  I personally feel that the cost is justified and I use it routinely.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  The only disadvantage to this product is its cost.Otherwise, it helps to insert smooth or textured implants, slightly smaller scar, and helps facilitate a "no touch" technique for the implant.  Some new data suggests there may some reduction in capsular contracture if it is used.  I use it every single time.

Anna I. Wooten, MD, FACS · Answer

I always use the Keller Funnel during my silicone breast augmentation procedures. This is for two reasons. Firstly, it allows for me to squeeze the implant through a smaller incision - which means smaller scars for my patients. Secondly, and perhaps even more importantly, it ensures that the implant comes out of sterile packaging, goes through the sterile funnel, and directly into the patient's tissue. This means that risk of contamination (and infection) is minimized.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

Long-term data are not available on the reduction of capsular contractures or implant malfunction. Theoretically, these help with ease of insertion, smaller incision length and less trauma and possible contamination of the implant (but these are placed in a "sterile" feild). The primary issue is cost.The Keller Funnel only need to be used for silicone gel implants as the typical insertion incision for saline implants is much smaller and little to no trauma on the implants.

Jason Pozner, MD · Answer

Disclaimer - I liked it so much the first time I saw it I invested in the companyPros - 1 - No touch -No touch technique is thought to decrease capsular contracture. Studies from the company on cadavers painted with bacteria show decreased contamination and in a preliminary study of a few practices we showed the capsular contracture rate to be decreased by half.           2 - less pressure on implant - this may lead to decreased ruptures but hard to prove           3 - smaller incision - a little           4 - less surgeon hand fatigueCons - cost only

Keller funnel pros and cons?

Answers (19)

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