The Persian woman's face: a photogrammetric analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to establish normative quantitative anthropometric measurements of the Persian woman's face and assess differences from established North American White women's measurements. METHODS: Standard photographs (frontal, left lateral, and base views) of 107 Persian women volunteers (both parents of Persian ancestry) between the ages of 18 and 40 were digitally acquired. Twenty-six standard anthropometric measurements were obtained using Adobe Photoshop. The results were compared with those previously published for North American White women using an unpaired t test with differences being considered significant if p<0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between Persian women and North American White women in 18 of 26 anthropometric measurements. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric differences between Persian women and North American White women reflect fundamental differences in the osseochondrous scaffold and soft tissue covering of the face. These differences partially account for the disharmony and loss of ethnic identity that occurs when surgery is planned using classical canons. For patients wishing to maintain their ethnic features following aesthetic surgery, access to ethnicity-specific normative anthropometric data will help guide the surgeon to achieve this goal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors at www.springer.com/00266.

Patient complaints with primary versus revision rhinoplasty: analysis and practice implications.

BACKGROUND: Rhinoplasty patients often present with specific concerns and are frequently exacting in their demands and expectations of the surgical experience. OBJECTIVES: The authors assess the presenting complaints expressed during the rhinoplasty consultation process and compare the presentations of primary versus revision rhinoplasty patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of 400 consecutive rhinoplasty patients was performed. Demographic information and patient concerns regarding nasal appearance and function were recorded. Complaint frequencies (as well as rank order) were compared between primary and revision patients. Statistically significant associations were compared in more detail through logistic regression models. RESULTS: Primary rhinoplasty patients were significantly more likely to cite "too large" and "dorsal hump" as motivating concerns. Conversely, revision rhinoplasty patients were far more likely to cite concern regarding a "crooked nose," "tip asymmetry," "wide or large nostrils," "dorsal sloop," and "columellar show." Revision rhinoplasty patients also complained of issues such as "alar retraction," "pointy tip," and "nasal scarring," which were almost negligible in frequency in the primary rhinoplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting for primary rhinoplasty commonly seek a smaller, more refined nasal appearance. Patients with prior rhinoplasty operations are far more likely to raise concern regarding crookedness or asymmetries. By comparing the presentations of primary and revision rhinoplasty patients-and delineating the common indications for revision operations-novice rhinoplasty surgeons may be able to avoid certain pitfalls at the outset, thereby reducing their revision rates. The data may also assist surgeons in developing a more targeted approach to the consultation process in the revision setting.

Detailed analysis of graft techniques for nasal reconstruction following Wegener granulomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Saddle nose deformity secondary to Wegener granulomatosis (WG) presents a significant challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Various grafting options have been proposed, but achieving good outcomes can be difficult. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 patients with WG who underwent reconstruction of saddle nose deformities by the senior author (A.G.) between 2005 and 2009. All patients were reconstructed using costal cartilage grafts. RESULTS: Primary surgery was functionally and cosmetically successful in 8 of 10 patients. Two patients experienced complications (graft resorption and columellar necrosis) requiring revision surgery; subsequently, they achieved good outcomes, with no further complications. There were no complications at the costal cartilage donor site. At the conclusion of the study, all patients were satisfied with their reconstructions. CONCLUSIONS: With a multidisciplinary team approach to pre- and postoperative patient management and careful surgical technique, reliable and excellent functional and cosmetic outcomes can be achieved with costal cartilage grafts.

Novel endoscopic management of penetrating intracranial trauma.

We report a unique case of minimally invasive endoscopic removal of a penetrating orbitocranial foreign body (POCFB), and present a review of the literature. A 12-year-old boy was impaled in the orbit with a gate latch. Neurosurgical consultation ascertained that removal via bifrontal craniotomy would necessitate extensive brain retraction and result in permanent anosmia. Attempting nasal endoscopic removal was deemed prudent, given this morbidity and a lack of brain parenchymal violation. The patient recovered without a cerebrospinal fluid leak or other neurologic sequelae. To date, craniotomy is the only reported management of POCFBs in the literature. We herein report the first nasal endoscopic removal of a POCFB.

Cephalic positioning of the lateral crura: implications for nasal tip-plasty.

OBJECTIVE: To apply a mathematical model to determine the relative effectiveness of various tip-plasty maneuvers while the lateral crura are in cephalic position compared with orthotopic position. METHODS: A Matlab (MathWorks, Natick, Massachusetts) computer program, called the Tip-Plasty Simulator, was developed to model the medial and lateral crura of the tripod concept in order to estimate the change in projection, rotation, and nasal length yielded by changes in crural length. The following rhinoplasty techniques were modeled in the software program: columellar strut graft/tongue-in-groove, lateral crural steal, lateral crural overlay, medial/intermediate crural overlay, hinge release with alar strut graft, and lateral crural repositioning. RESULTS: Using the Tip-Plasty Simulator, the directionality of the change in projection, rotation, and nasal length produced by the various tip-plasty maneuvers, as shown by our mathematical model, is largely the same as that expected and observed clinically. Notably, cephalically positioned lateral crura affected the results of the rhinoplasty maneuvers studied. CONCLUSIONS: By demonstrating a difference in the magnitude of change resulting from various rhinoplasty maneuvers, the results of this study enhance the ability of the rhinoplasty surgeon to predict the effects of various tip-plasty maneuvers, given the variable range in alar cartilage orientation that he or she is likely to encounter.

Needle electrode-based electromechanical reshaping of cartilage.

Electromechanical reshaping (EMR) of cartilage provides an alternative to the classic surgical techniques of modifying the shape of facial cartilages. The original embodiment of EMR required surface electrodes to be in direct contact with the entire cartilage region being reshaped. This study evaluates the feasibility of using needle electrode systems for EMR of facial cartilage and evaluates the relationships between electrode configuration, voltage, and application time in effecting shape change. Flat rabbit nasal septal cartilage specimens were deformed by a jig into a 90° bend, while a constant electric voltage was applied to needle electrodes that were inserted into the cartilage. The electrode configuration, voltage (0-7.5 V), and application time (1-9 min) were varied systematically to create the most effective shape change. Electric current and temperature were measured during voltage application, and the resulting specimen shape was assessed in terms of retained bend angle. In order to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of EMR, the most effective and practical settings from the septal cartilage experimentation were used to reshape intact rabbit and pig ears ex vivo. Cell viability of the cartilage after EMR was determined using confocal microscopy in conjunction with a live/dead assay. Overall, cartilage reshaping increased with increased voltage and increased application time. For all electrode configurations and application times tested, heat generation was negligible (<1 °C) up to 6 V. At 6 V, with the most effective electrode configuration, the bend angle began to significantly increase after 2 min of application time and began to plateau above 5 min. As a function of voltage at 2 min of application time, significant reshaping occurred at and above 5 V, with no significant increase in the bend angle between 6 and 7.5 V. In conclusion, electromechanical reshaping of cartilage grafts and intact ears can be effectively performed with negligible temperature elevation and spatially limited cell injury using needle electrodes.

Botulinum toxin type a for facial rejuvenation: treatment evolution and patient satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Novel applications and injection sites for Botox are continually evolving. This study aimed to analyze Botox outcomes for various injection sites to differentiate treatments that consistently yield impressive results from those that produce less patient satisfaction. The change in the prevalence of Botox usage for each facial subsite over a 2-year period also was evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for 60 patients who received Botox injections in a private cosmetic surgery practice. Patients were sampled from 24-month periods 2 years apart. The information collected included dosing and injection intervals and patterns. The outcomes analyzed included the prevalence of injections by subsite and the retention rate. RESULTS: The most frequently injected subsite was the glabellar region. The findings showed an impressive trend toward increasing numbers of patients receiving treatment of the superolateral orbicularis oculi (57-80%) and the depressor anguli oris (10-20%). CONCLUSIONS: Botox injection for facial rejuvenation has an excellent track record for patient satisfaction. The prevalence of treatment for the traditional injection sites was very stable over the measured period. The study findings support the use of Botox in certain more recently described regions such as the superolateral orbicularis oculi and the depressor anguli oris.

Optical coherence tomography of the larynx using the Niris system.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience using the first commercially available optical coherence tomography (OCT) device for use in the head, neck, and upper aerodigestive tract and to determine the feasibility and efficacy of this system in comparison with our previous experience using other research OCT systems. METHODS: Using the Niris OCT imaging system (Imalux, Cleveland, OH), we obtained OCT images of benign and premalignant laryngeal disease in 33 patients undergoing surgical head and neck endoscopy. This imaging system has a spatial depth resolution of 10 to 20 mum and a depth scanning range of 2.2 mm, obtaining images of 200 x 200 pixels at a maximum frame rate of 0.7 Hz. The scanning mechanism of the device is located at the distal end of a flexible probe that is placed in contact or near-contact with the area of interest. The tip of the probe was inserted through a rigid laryngoscope, and still images were obtained. RESULTS: OCT images of arytenoids, aryepiglottic folds, piriform sinus, epiglottis, and true and false vocal cords were obtained. In patients whose OCT images were taken from normal tissue, the normal microstructures were clearly identified, as well as disruption of the latter in malignant pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: The device can easily be incorporated into the operating room and requires minimal set-up and staff to operate. OCT imaging with this device potentially offers an efficient, quick, and reliable imaging modality in guiding surgical biopsies, intraoperative decision making, and therapeutic options of various laryngeal pathologies and premalignant disease.

Anthropometric and aesthetic analysis of the Indian American woman's face.

BACKGROUND: This is the first study defining the facial anthropometric and aesthetic measurements in Indian American women (IAW). METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study involving evaluation of facial photographs. Frontal, lateral and basal photographs were taken of IAW (n=102), and 30 anthropometric measurements were determined. Proportions were compared with published North American white women (NAWW) norms. Judges (n=6) evaluated the photographs for aesthetics using a visual analogue scale. Attractive IAW (top 15%) were compared with average IAW (remaining 85%) and average NAWW. All completed a facial self-esteem survey. RESULTS: There were significant differences between IAW and NAWW in 25 of 30 facial measurements. Six measurements correlated with aesthetic scores: intercanthal distance, mouth width, nasolabial angle, midface height 2, ear length and nasal height. Attractive IAW had nine measurements approximating NAWW features, 15 measurements similar to average IAW values and two measurements distinct from both average IAW and average NAWW. Attractive IAW had higher facial self-esteem scores than average IAW. CONCLUSIONS: Facial measurements in IAW are much different from NAWW, and these results will assist in preoperative planning. Several features are correlated with attractiveness in IAW: larger and wider-set eyes, a smaller midface, a smaller nose with greater tip rotation, smaller ears and a larger mouth. Attractive IAW display many measurements typical of average IAW and several measurements that reflect average NAWW values. These results contribute to concepts of transcultural aesthetics--for a minority ethnic group, facial beauty appears to be an assimilation of deep-rooted ethnic features with prevailing cultural traits and aesthetic standards.

Gradient-index lens rod based probe for office-based optical coherence tomography of the human larynx.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an evolving noninvasive imaging modality that has been used to image the human larynx during surgical endoscopy. The design of a long gradient-index lens-based probe capable of capturing images of the human larynx by use of spectral domain OCT during a typical office-based laryngoscopy examination is presented. An optical-ballast-based 4f optical relay system is proposed to realize variable working distance with a constant optical delay. In-vivo OCT imaging of the human larynx is demonstrated. Office-based OCT is a promising imaging modality for early laryngeal cancer diagnosis.

Antibiotics in head and neck surgery in the setting of malnutrition, tracheotomy, and diabetes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objectives of this study are to compare short vs. long antibiotic prophylaxis in the setting of malnutrition, diabetes, and tracheotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: The charts of 407 patients undergoing clean-contaminated head and neck surgery were reviewed for disease type, operation performed, length of antibiotic prophylaxis, wound complications, and length of hospital stay. Three intrinsic patient risk factors for infection (malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, and tracheotomy) were evaluated for an effect on the optimal length of antibiotic prophylaxis. The data was statistically analyzed using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence of infection was 7% in short-course antibiotics and 13% in long-course antibiotics (P = .06). The incidence of infection was 18% in malnourished patients and 3% in well-nourished patients (P < .0001). In malnourished patients, the incidence of infection was 16% in short-course antibiotics and 19% in long-course antibiotics (P = 1). The incidence of infection was 11% in diabetics and 23% in nondiabetics (P = .13). In diabetic patients, the incidence of infection was 0% on short-course antibiotics and 16% on long-course antibiotics (P = .55). The incidence of pneumonia was 14% in patients with tracheotomy and 5% in patients without tracheotomy (P = .0014). In patients with tracheotomy, the incidence of pneumonia was 8% on short-course antibiotics and 15% on long-course antibiotics (P = .6931). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition and tracheotomy were associated with a higher infection rate while diabetes was not found to be a risk factor. Prolonged antibiotics were not associated with a lower infection rate in the overall group or in any subgroup.

Imaging the human tympanic membrane using optical coherence tomography in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a diagnostic imaging modality that combines low coherence light with interferometry to produce high-resolution cross-sectional images of living tissues. Using this technology, we have imaged in vivo the human tympanic membrane (TM) in the office clinic setting and characterized TM microstructure in normal and pathologic conditions. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The normal and diseased TMs in 10 adult subjects were examined. Each subject underwent direct microscopic examination before OCT imaging to provide visual coregistration of associated subsites including the anulus fibrosus, pars tensa, pars flaccida, and umbo. The probe from the imaging system (1,310-nm central wavelength, 15-microm coherence length, Niris; Imalux, Cleveland, OH, USA) was introduced into the ear canal to obtain lateral cross-sectional images. RESULTS: Systematic imaging of the TM was performed with characterization of the epithelial and collagenous layers. The overall TM thickness was clearly demonstrated and quantified. CONCLUSION: The ability to noninvasively study middle ear microstructures in vivo is essential in the treatment of diseases of the ear. OCT may provide the otologist/neurotologist with the ability to 1) image pathology such as cholesteatoma, dimeric TMs, and chronic otitis media; 2) gauge the response to pharmacological therapy; and 3) monitor postsurgical changes after tympanoplasty and other procedures. OCT may provide a means to optimize the diagnosis and management of patients with middle ear disease.

Optical coherence tomography of the newborn airway.

OBJECTIVES: Acquired subglottic stenosis in a newborn is often associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation. This condition is generally diagnosed during operative endoscopy after airway injury has occurred. Unfortunately, endoscopy is unable to characterize the submucosal changes observed in such airway injuries. Other modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound, do not possess the necessary level of resolution to differentiate scar, neocartilage, and edema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that produces high-resolution, cross-sectional images of living tissue (8 to 20 microm). We examined the ability of this noninvasive technique to characterize the newborn airway in a prospective clinical trial. METHODS: Twelve newborn patients who required ventilatory support underwent OCT airway imaging. Comparative analysis of intubated and non-intubated states was performed. RESULTS: Imaging of the supraglottis, glottis, subglottis, and trachea was performed in 12 patients, revealing unique tissue characteristics as related to turbidity, signal backscattering, and architecture. Multiple structures were identified, including the vocal folds, cricoid cartilage, tracheal rings, ducts, glands, and vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Optical coherence tomography clearly identifies in vivo tissue layers and regional architecture while offering detailed information concerning tissue microstructures. The diagnostic potential of this technology makes OCT a promising modality in the study and surveillance of the neonatal airway.

Optical coherence tomography of the cochlea in the porcine model.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To demonstrate the feasibility of optical coherence tomography in microstructural imaging of the porcine cochlea. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo, porcine model. METHODS: Optical coherence tomographic images of the porcine cochlea were obtained by thinning the bone from the basal turn of the cochlea leaving the endosteum intact. The images were compared with the corresponding histological sections. RESULTS: In the areas of thinned bone, images were obtained of the stria vascularis, Reissner's membrane, basilar membrane, tectorial membrane, scala media, scala tympani, and scala vestibuli. The bone was too thick for adequate light penetration in the areas where it was not thinned. Good histological correlation was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: Cochlear and vestibular microanatomic structures of the pig cochlea were clearly identified with histological confirmation, suggesting the potential application of this noninvasive imaging modality for in vivo imaging of the human cochlea.

Optical coherence tomography of the larynx in the awake patient.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of performing optical coherence tomography of the human larynx on the awake patient with a novel flexible fiberoptic delivery system. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Imaging was performed in 17 awake patients. A flexible optical coherence tomography probe was inserted through the nose and placed in near or gentle contact with laryngeal tissues under direct endoscopic visualization. RESULTS: Images were successfully obtained from all laryngeal subsites and clearly identified laryngeal mucosal microanatomy. Several critical probe design modifications improved rotational and angular control of the distal tip while allowing linear translation of the probe and allowing more accurate apposition of the probe onto target tissues, which is critical for transnasal laryngeal imaging. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of awake transnasal laryngeal optical coherence tomography and identifies key instrumentation needed to obtain useful images.

In vivo three-dimensional spectral domain endoscopic optical coherence tomography using a microelectromechanical system mirror.

A biopsy is a well-known medical test used to evaluate tissue abnormality. Biopsy specimens are invasively taken from part of a lesion and visualized by microscope after chemical treatment. However, diagnosis by means of biopsy is not only variable due to depth and location of specimen but may also damage the specimen. In addition, only a limited number of specimens can be obtained, thus, the entire tissue morphology cannot be observed. We introduce a three-dimensional (3-D) endoscopic optical biopsy via optical coherence tomography employing a dual-axis microelectromechanical system scanning mirror. Since this technique provides high-resolution, noninvasive, direct, and multiple visualization of tissue, it could function as a clinical biopsy with advanced performance. The device was integrated with a conventional endoscope and utilized to generate in vivo 3-D clinical images in humans and animals.