In the News

Arkansas Marks First Sensation-Restoring Procedure for Breast Cancer Surgeries

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 11, 2024) – Today, Arkansas marked the first use of Resensation®, an innovative breast cancer surgical procedure, designed to restore sensation after mastectomy. Together, Eric Wright, M.D., a board-certified plastic surgeon and Yara Robertson, M.D., CARTI’s medical director of surgery and breast surgical oncologist performed this procedure.

“Losing one or both breasts is a life-changing event that can significantly impact a woman’s sense of self,” said Dr. Eric Wright. “This procedure is designed to help women feel more like themselves after breast reconstruction surgery.”

With the advancement of the Resensation procedure, numbness no longer has to be the accepted norm. Specialty trained Resensation surgeons are now able to use an allograft nerve to reconnect cut nerves in the chest so they can heal over time and potentially restore feeling for patients.

“CARTI is dedicated to offering women the resources and support they need for informed decision-making throughout their breast cancer journeys,” said Dr. Yara Robertson. “We want to ensure they have a clear understanding of their choices, including access to promising procedures like Resensation that could enhance their quality of life.”

Every year, more than 90,000 women in the U.S. have one or both breasts removed for breast cancer treatment or risk reduction. Peer-reviewed studies show that up to 60% of these patients experience persistent breast numbness, an outcome often associated with a decreased quality of life and reduced sexual function.