Australian Breast Device Registry 100k milestone!

Australia’s largest repository of information about breast device surgery has reached an important milestone, capturing details of more than 100,000 procedures.

The Australian Breast Device Registry (ABDR) is a clinical quality registry that tracks the long-term safety and performance of implantable breast devices, inclusive of breast implants, tissue expanders and mesh/matrix products.

ABDR Academic Lead, Professor Susannah Ahern, from the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, said the registry was very relevant for Australians undergoing breast device procedures.

“This is an impressive milestone in patient safety. Breast devices are some of the most widely used medical devices in this country and are not without risks,” said Prof. Ahern.

“Reaching 100,000 procedures highlights the wonderful clinician and community support for the ABDR to monitor the quality and safety of breast devices used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, such as after a breast cancer.”

About the ABDR

The ABDR is one of the world’s leading breast device registries, reporting on the types of devices most commonly inserted, devices most commonly removed, as well as trends and outcomes of different combinations of surgical techniques and devices.

Researchers and clinicians analyse registry data to make recommendations on how to improve patient health outcomes, based on study findings.

Additionally, the registry collects on behalf of Australia’s device regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), information about devices associated with a rare cancer of the immune system called Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Up to an estimated 90% of surgeons and clinicians that perform breast device procedures in Australia contribute patient data to the registry. 

Less than 1% of patients choose not to have their data included.

Prof. Ahern said the ABDR functioned as an important safety mechanism for patients and surgeons alike.

“Australians included in the registry are reassured that in the event of possible future TGA device warnings or alerts, their device information is available for them and their surgeon or health facility to readily access,” said Prof. Ahern.

“Anyone having breast device surgery, including device removal, should ask their doctor to include them in the registry.”

Featured Photo by philippe spitalier on Unsplash