An important milestone has been reached! Jelle Steentjes has started the BRIGHT study
Jelle Steentjes works as a Reggeborgh Research Fellow at the Fluorescence Imaging (FI) lab at Medisch Spectrum Twente. He conducts research into blood flow in the skin during breast surgery, using fluorescence imaging. This makes blood flow in the skin visible during breast surgery, among other procedures, something that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
With the BRIGHT study, we are first investigating what constitutes “normal” skin perfusion in healthy breasts. With this knowledge, we will be better able to assess which parts of the skin can safely remain in place and which may need to be removed after a mastectomy and possible reconstruction.
Why is this so important?
Poor skin perfusion in skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate reconstructions can lead to serious complications such as infections, skin necrosis, and delays in follow-up treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. This is not only physically stressful, but also emotionally difficult for patients who are in the middle of an intensive treatment programme.
The aim is to reduce complications, avoid delays in follow-up treatments, and not only cure patients, but also offer them a breast reconstruction they feel comfortable and confident with.
