Capstone Innovations: BRACA

The BRACA post-surgical bra is a fresh take on an old concept to improve the function and usability of these specialized garments for patients who have undergone a mastectomy for breast cancer. Compression bras have been used for years to provide extra support and comfort for patients recovering from breast cancer surgery, but BRACA applies engineering principles to improve on existing products.

Inspired by interviews with breast cancer patients who had difficulty using the current designs, physician-innovators Diana Wu, Jamila Hedhli, and Michelle Mao worked with bioengineering students to create a new design that maximizes patient autonomy. “Our interviews and survey feedback led us to change the bra strap to be used even with a limited range of motion, to widen the strap under the bra, and to allow flexibility of the compression to adapt to individual surgical needs,” Wu said.

The team’s latest prototype can be hung from a stationary spot, like a hook on a wall or door, to allow patients to slip into the front-closing bra without raising their arms in an uncomfortable position. The Velcro closure replaces old metal fasteners that can irritate skin.

The design also includes easily adjustable straps to provide improved fit. “The compression function aims to tailor compression to the post-operative side and to adjust compression through the healing process,” Wu explained.

BRACA will also accommodate devices that some breast cancer patients need to drain lymphatic fluid from inflamed surgical sites. BRACA can be used for two months following breast cancer surgery.

Initial surveys with a small group of breast cancer patients demonstrated increased satisfaction with BRACA’s design.

U of I undergraduate bioengineering students who contributed to the team’s prototype include Cara Bognar, Milica Barac, Elyse Kavanagh, Bozena Bryja, Haichao Wang, and Avni Singh.