London-based medtech startup Plexāā has closed a $4.5 million funding extension to support the U.S. launch of BLOOM⁴³, a wearable medical device designed to reduce complications in breast cancer surgery and reconstruction. The device targets complication rates that can reach as high as 30% in breast surgeries, including infection, skin necrosis, and the need for additional procedures.
BLOOM⁴³ is described as the world’s first fully wearable device for breast surgery preparation, using a technique called Supraphysiological Preconditioning. The device thermally preconditions skin to trigger the release of heat-shock proteins that cause vasodilation and increased blood flow, potentially reducing wound healing complications based on proof-of-concept clinical trials.
“Securing this funding validates confidence in our flagship technology and the concept of Supraphysiological Preconditioning,” said Dr. Saahil Mehta, founder and CEO of Plexāā. “The funds will support this pivotal launch and market expansion, as well as the exciting development of our technology platform.”
The funding round included existing and new investors, with TCP Health Ventures, which led the seed round, participating alongside new investor THENA Capital. Plexāā has also secured grant funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) bringing total recent funding to over $7 million.
BLOOM⁴³ works alongside a companion app to provide holistic prehabilitation and preconditioning for patients preparing for breast surgery. The approach aims to improve surgical readiness and patient experience while addressing complications that affect one in three women undergoing breast surgery.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Plexāā to become our first portfolio company for THENA Capital’s Fund I,” said Tatum Getty, founding General Partner at THENA Capital. “The company is solving a critical and under-addressed challenge across the surgical pathway- reducing post-operative complications for patients.”
Plexāā plans to expand the technology beyond breast surgery into other surgical fields, including obstetrics for C-sections, orthopedics for joint operations, and general and vascular surgery. The company has secured multiple partners for its U.S. commercial launch and is positioning for a Series A funding round. The new funding comes as the company aims to establish prehabilitation and preconditioning as standard care for surgery.
BLOOM⁴³ represents a novel approach to surgical preparation in women’s health, where reducing complications can significantly impact patient outcomes and healthcare costs. The device addresses an area where technological innovation has been limited despite the high frequency of breast cancer surgeries and reconstructive procedures.
