Pit3D

Pit3D develops customized external breast prostheses using 3D scanning and printing technology to improve the quality of life of women after a mastectomy.

Challenge

El breast cancer It is the most common tumor among women worldwide, with more than 2,3 million new diagnoses each year and a prevalence that exceeds 7 million casesIn the European Union, more than 374.000 new diagnoses, and near 35.000 in Spain, where one in eight women will suffer from this disease throughout their lives. Approximately one 40% of patients require a mastectomy, a surgery with a very significant physical, emotional and social impact.

Although the breast reconstruction is a recognized right and a common therapeutic option, theaccess is limited: the waiting time for deferred reconstruction in the public system often exceeds two years, reaching up to five in some regions. This forces the 15.000 women who undergo mastectomy each year in Spain to live with the absence of breasts without an immediate solution, many of whom end up resorting to external prostheses.

However, conventional prostheses have numerous limitations: overweight, low breathability, displacement with movement, irritations on irradiated tissues i poor anatomical adaptabilityThese deficiencies compromise comfort, body symmetry, physical activity and self-esteem. It is not surprising, therefore, that even the 69% of mastectomized women suffer from anxiety or depression, an emotional impact that is exacerbated by the lack ofpersonalized, accessible and non-invasive alternatives.

Solution

Pit3D was born to respond to this need by offering customized external prostheses using 3D technology.

The process is based on three key stages:

Non-invasive 3D body scanning, which allows you to accurately reproduce the shape of the healthy breast and adapt to scars or irregularities.
Digital design with innovative internal geometry, which promotes breathability, reduces weight compared to conventional prostheses and minimizes pressure points, thus increasing comfort and prolonged use.
3D printing with biocompatible, hypoallergenic and dermatologically safe materials, which guarantee safety and well-being in contact with the skin.

Unlike conventional prostheses, Pit3D provides a solution completely adapted to the body and lifestyle of each patient., significantly improving their quality of life. In addition, it offers a more affordable, comfortable and innovative, which allows democratize access to high-quality prostheses.

Potential impact of the project

Pit3D has the potential to generate a transformative impact on health, economy, society and the environment.

Impact on quality of life: Reduces the physical and emotional discomfort associated with conventional prostheses and improves the comfort, mobility and self-esteem of thousands of mastectomized women, as well as other groups with similar needs.
Economic impact: Optimize theuse of healthcare resources and significantly reduces the expenses linked to breast reconstructions and post-mastectomy mental health treatments, which currently exceed 72 million and 40 million euros annually in Spain. With moderate adoption, Pit3D could generate a net savings of nearly 30 million euros per year, while decongesting hospital services and freeing up operating rooms and specialized professionals, improving healthcare efficiency in other areas.
Social impact: It promotes personal and work reintegration of patients, promotes the creation of new jobs in 3D scanning, design and manufacturing, and offers scalable and exportable technology to other European markets.
Environmental impact: Promotes a productive model on demand which avoids stocks, minimizes waste and contributes to a more sustainable healthcare system, aligned with the principles of the circular economy.

Development phase

The project is currently in development and clinical validation phase, promoted by the Parc Taulí Research and Innovation Institute (I3PT). Concept tests have already been carried out with different materials and designs, which have shown positive preliminary results in comfort and adaptability. Currently, work is being carried out with three prototypes and the goal is to evolve from TRL4-5 to TRL6 in the next year.

At the same time, the business model is in the validation processThe initial strategy foresees the direct sales to users, in collaboration with patient associations and orthopedics, with a progressive expansion towards private clinics and insurersThe project already has competitive support through grants and subsidies, and plans to to establish the company once solid clinical evidence is available.

The team is made up of professionals with expertise in the areas ofoncology, biomedical engineering, innovation and 3D design, which provide the combination of medical, technological and business knowledge necessary to make the solution a reality.