Bandvefsumbúðum

Bandvefsumbúðum, a term originating from Icelandic, translates to "connective tissue encapsulation" in English. It refers to a natural biological process where the body forms a protective layer of fibrous connective tissue around an implant or foreign object. This encapsulation is a common response to the presence of anything the body perceives as foreign, including medical implants like pacemakers, artificial joints, or even surgical staples.

The process begins shortly after the implant is introduced. The body's immune system identifies the object as foreign and initiates an inflammatory response. Over time, fibroblasts, a type of cell responsible for producing collagen and other connective tissue components, migrate to the site. These cells then deposit collagen fibers, gradually building a capsule around the implant. This capsule, typically composed of dense irregular connective tissue, serves to wall off the foreign material from the surrounding healthy tissues.

While encapsulation is a normal and often beneficial response, it can sometimes lead to complications. For instance, in the case of breast implants, excessive capsular contracture can occur, where the connective tissue capsule tightens and hardens, causing pain and distortion of the implant's shape. In other medical devices, a thick capsule can impede the device's function, requiring revision surgery. The thickness and nature of the bandvefsumbúðum can vary depending on the type of implant, the individual's immune response, and the duration the object has been present.