The Raft Institute

Rebuilding Lives Through Medical Research Our research helps people regain their quality of life, independence and dignity after major trauma. For more than 30 years RAFT has been focusing on research that can provide practical solutions for children and adults that through accidents, disease or birth defects can significantly benefit from our work. Our current projects are: Breast Reconstruction Our aim is to significantly improve breast reconstruction surgery as current procedures often result in an undesirable outcome and additional surgery that can last for years, leading to added pain, stress and exhaustion. We are developing techniques to vastly improve tissue transfer surgery, making it reliable and safe. Bone Regeneration - Beyond disability Our research will transform the way we currently treat patients that need replacement bone. Current methods involve invasive and painful bone grafts that are not always successful or possible. RAFT’s method of placing a biological scaffold on the damaged area to stimulate bone growth will enable new bone to grow and fill the damaged area perfectly. Keloid Scars - Preventing recurrence RAFT is working on the development of a dermal scaffold intended for use after surgical excision of a keloid. A dermal scaffold is a type of treatment used by surgeons, which acts as a template to guide the growth of new skin at a wound site and avoid scarring. RAFT's scaffold will be specifically designed to inhibit the recurrence of keloid scarring. 3D Printing for Craniofacial Surgery We are undertaking research to develop a new type of material specifically for 3D printing to create custom-fit facial implants. Digital models will be created from X-rays and CT scans, which will be used to develop bespoke 3D implants that once fitted, will create a scaffold that will encourage the patient’s own bone to grow to the required shape and size. The implant itself will be be absorbed leaving the new healthy bone behind.