A leading consultant oncoplastic surgeon, Shweta Aggarwal, partnered with Team Consulting to develop a novel surgical device concept designed to enhance precision and consistency in breast surgery.
In current practice, to make an incision around the nipple, surgeons use a marker to draw a circular incision line, however the incision itself is performed manually, relying on the surgeon’s ability to cut in a perfect circle by hand.
The team designed a reusable, easy-to-use device concept that addresses this challenge by enabling surgeons to make precise circular incisions during breast reduction and therapeutic mammoplasty procedures, improving consistency and patient outcomes.
Shweta Aggarwal commented:“Working with Team Consulting has been an incredibly rewarding journey. They were able to develop an in-depth understanding of the issues and went out of their way to research the subject.”
To understand the detailed context of the specific surgical environment, Team’s human factors and FemTech experts observed a live oncoplastic procedure. This enabled the project team to identify the nuanced constraints involved in the procedure, informing a detailed user journey map and clear design requirements.
The result was a focused innovation process that prioritised usability, safety and compatibility with existing practices.The concept designed consists of a kit of reusable cutting guides of different sizes, alongside an attachable, bespoke handle to fit standard disposable blades. Designed to be intuitive and ergonomic, the device allows surgeons to make precise circular incisions while maintaining a singular, comfortable grip and keeping their hands safely outside the cutting area. It also eliminates the need for manual marking, streamlining the workflow and supporting surgical training.
Sustainability and cost-effectiveness were central to the design strategy. The device concept aligns with NHS Net Zero goals by minimising single-use components and supporting reprocessing.
This collaboration demonstrates how targeted, user-centred innovation can address specific clinical needs with practical, scalable, sustainable solutions. By reducing variability in a critical surgical step, the device has the potential to improve outcomes for patients and integrate seamlessly into current surgical workflows.
