E203: Dr. Saahil Mehta - Preconditioning and Prehabiliation Before Breast Cancer Surgery, Plexaa and Bloom43

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment, surgical complications and side effects.Episode 203: Part of the Living With and Beyond Cancer Series (Part 69).Description: In this powerful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Dr. Saahil Mehta. Saahil is a consultant Plastic Surgeon and founder of Plexaa, is revolutionising surgical outcomes. His research on preconditioning & prehabilitation led to Bloom43, a wearable device & prehabilitation app for breast cancer patients, to help patients empower their preparation for their surgery. Plexaa was recognised as a top innovator in the Medtech Innovator Accelerator program, demonstrating Saahil's commitment to improving patient care.In this insightful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara hear about Saahil’s journey, innovation, Plexaa and Bloom43.CPD Reflection Points:How could digital tools (wearables, remote monitoring, AI risk prediction) enhance prehabilitation before breast cancer surgery? Consider how med-tech could track fitness, nutrition, and psychological readiness to improve surgical outcomes.Patients vary in fitness, comorbidities, and treatment pathways. What data or technologies would you use to design personalised prehabilitation programmes before breast cancer surgery?If you identified a gap in prehabilitation for breast cancer patients, what steps would you take to translate that clinical problem into a medical technology solution or startup?Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.Links from the Episode:Plexaa Bloom43Breast Cancer Symptoms Breast Cancer NowPRosPer moduleResearch links from the Episode:Supraphysiological preconditioningLocal Heat Preconditioning in Skin Sparing Mastectomy: A Pilot Study, Mehta S, Rolph R, Cornelius V et al., 2013 A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial to Evaluate Local Heat Preconditioning on Wound Healing After Reconstructive Breast Surgery: The preHEAT Trial. Mehta S, Cro SC, Coomber B et al., 2019Thermal Preconditioning for Surgery: A Systematic ReviewRad Chat Links:Rad Chat WebsiteLink TreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokBlueSkyYouTubeCredits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.