Femtura Project

Short description of the project

Over the past two decades, survival rates for women with breast cancer have improved significantly, making breast reconstruction an increasingly important part of recovery and quality of life. However, the reconstruction process is often intensive and associated with physical complaints such as pain and limited mobility, as well as psychological effects that impact patients’ wellbeing.

Due to growing concerns surrounding silicone breast implants, an increasing number of women opt for breast reconstruction using autologous tissue, such as fat grafting. This minimally invasive technique supports faster recovery and reduces the need for lengthy and complex surgical procedures. At present, however, fat grafting is mainly suitable for small defects following breast-conserving surgery.

For full breast reconstruction after mastectomy, fat grafting remains limited because large volumes of fat are required. This often necessitates at least four treatment sessions. In addition, more than half of the transplanted fat cells do not survive in practice, and fat necrosis may occur due to insufficient attachment. This results in prolonged aftercare, increased psychological burden for patients, and significant pressure on the healthcare system.

Objective of the project

The objective of this project is to develop the innovative product Femtura, which enables large-volume fat grafting for full breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Femtura aims to reduce the number of required treatments and help prevent physical and psychological complaints, thereby creating both societal and economic impact.

Femtura is being further developed into a clinically applicable product in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Maastricht University (UM), and Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+), combining technical and medical expertise to support broader implementation and improved quality of life for breast cancer patients.

Excpected outcomes

The development of Femtura will make large-volume fat grafting feasible for full breast reconstruction, reducing the number of treatment sessions and associated complications. This leads to reduced aftercare, lower psychological burden for patients, and decreased pressure on the healthcare system, while improving overall quality of life.

Strategic EU project

The Femtura project is supported within the OPZuid 2021–2027 programme, which focuses on strengthening research and innovation capacity and supporting the deployment of advanced technologies. This project runs from 01-11-2025 until 31-10-2028.

EU funding received

An amount of 3 million euros has been reserved for the project. Fifty percent of the costs are borne by the collaborating partners. Thirty-five percent comes from the European subsidy programme OPZuid, and the Provinces of Noord-Brabant and Limburg account for the remaining co-finance.

Project Financiers