Effects of saline submersion at body temperature on airway supportive devices including a novel nasopharyngeal device produced using 3D-printing.

PURPOSE: This study investigated dimension changes of various nasopharyngeal airways, including a novel self-supporting device, after saline submersion at body temperature to simulate in-vivo use. Dimension changes over time may reduce efficacy during long-term use and require sizing adjustments or limits on duration of use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cuffless Covidien endotracheal tubes, pediatric Rusch fixed flange polyvinyl chloride nasal airway tubes, pediatric Rusch Robertazzi style Mediprene nasal airway tubes, and novel silicone elastomer self-supporting nasopharyngeal airways were fully submerged in 0.9 % normal saline solution incubated at 37 degrees Celsius for 15 days. All devices had tube length and wall thickness measured after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, and 15 days. The 95 % confidence intervals of tube dimensions at each date were compared with the 95 % confidence intervals at day 0. RESULTS: The Covidien ET tube, Rusch PVC NPA, and ssNPA tube lengths and wall thicknesses did not change significantly over 15 days. The Rusch Mediprene NPAs had a statistically significant increase in length starting at day 1 and wall thickness at day 2. CONCLUSIONS: The novel ssNPA did not expand in the in-vitro environment, supporting its safety for extended use. The PVC NPA and ET tube dimensions also remained stable. However, the Rusch Mediprene NPAs had significant length expansion after 1 day of submersion, indicating a considerable risk of expansion during extended use with potential implications for patient care. Silicone and PVC NPA dimensions remained stable when saturated, indicating these materials may be more appropriate for extended use.

Incorporating a Three-Dimensional Printed Airway into a Pediatric Flexible Bronchoscopy Curriculum.

Background: Although hands-on simulation plays a valuable role in procedural training, there are limited tools available to teach pediatric flexible bronchoscopy (PFB). Fellowship programs rely on patient encounters, with inherent risk, or high-cost virtual reality simulators that may not be widely available and create education inequalities. Objective: Our objective was to study the educational value and transferability of a novel, low-cost, three-dimensional-printed pediatric airway model (3D-AM) for PFB training. Our central hypothesis was that the 3D-AM would have high educational value and would be easily transferrable to learners at different teaching hospitals. Methods: The 3D-AM was designed to teach technical bronchoscopy skills, airway anatomy, airway pathology, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). The curriculum was offered to incoming fellows in pediatric pulmonology, pediatric surgery, and pediatric critical care across three different teaching institutions. After course completion, each participant assessed the simulation model(s) with a 5-point Likert scale across six domains: physical attributes, realism of experience, ability to perform tasks, value, relevance, and global impression. The expert instructors assessed the learners' competency using a modified version of the Bronchoscopy Skills and Tasks Assessment Tool. Results: A total of 14 incoming fellows participated in the course. The mean scores for the 3D-AM across all six domains and across the three institutions was between 4 and 5, suggesting that learners generally had a favorable impression and a similar experience across different institutions. All learners "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the course was a valuable use of their time, helped teach technical skills and airway anatomy, and would be useful for extra training during fellowship. Most of the learners correctly identified anatomy, bronchomalacia, and performed a BAL. Wall trauma was observed in 36% of learners. Conclusion: The utility, low cost, and transferability of this model may create opportunities for PFB training across different institutions despite resource limitations in the United States and abroad.

Webbed Neck Deformity Reconstruction in Patients with Turner Syndrome: Technical Considerations in Treating Congenital Pterygium Colli.

Importance: Present an excellent outcome for a rare pterygium colli reconstruction. Objective: Establish techniques that have yielded a successful aesthetic and functional outcome for a patient with pterygium colli in a procedure that lacks consensus. Design, Setting, and Participants: Surgical pearls-description of considerations for a successful reconstruction. An academic practice. Pediatric patient with Turner's syndrome who underwent neck and auricular reconstruction.

Clinical Characteristics of Primary Snoring vs Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: Analysis of the Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy for Snoring (PATS) Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: It is unknown whether children with primary snoring and children with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) represent populations with substantially different clinical characteristics. Nonetheless, an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 1 or greater is often used to define OSA and plan for adenotonsillectomy (AT). Objective: To assess whether a combination of clinical characteristics differentiates children with primary snoring from children with mild OSA. Design, Setting, and Participants: Baseline data from the Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring (PATS) study, a multicenter, single-blind, randomized clinical trial conducted at 6 academic sleep centers from June 2016 to January 2021, were analyzed. Children aged 3.0 to 12.9 years with polysomnography-diagnosed (AHI <3) mild obstructive sleep-disordered breathing who were considered candidates for AT were included. Data analysis was performed from July 2022 to October 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures: Logistic regression models were fitted to identify which demographic, clinical, and caregiver reports distinguished children with primary snoring (AHI <1; 311 patients [67.8%]) from children with mild OSA (AHI 1-3; 148 patients [32.2%]). Results: A total of 459 children were included. The median (IQR) age was 6.0 (4.0-7.5) years, 230 (50.1%) were female, and 88 (19.2%) had obesity. A total of 121 (26.4%) were Black, 75 (16.4%) were Hispanic, 236 (51.5%) were White, and 26 (5.7%) were other race and ethnicity. Black race (odds ratio [OR], 2.08; 95% CI, 1.32-3.30), obesity (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.12-2.91), and high urinary cotinine levels (>5 µg/L) (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.15-3.06) were associated with greater odds of mild OSA rather than primary snoring. Other demographic characteristics, clinical examination findings, and questionnaire reports did not distinguish between primary snoring and mild OSA. A weighted combination of the statistically significant clinical predictors had limited ability to differentiate children with mild OSA from children with primary snoring. Conclusions and Relevance: In this analysis of baseline data from the PATS randomized clinical trial, primary snoring and mild OSA were difficult to distinguish without polysomnography. Mild OSA vs snoring alone did not identify a clinical group of children who may stand to benefit from AT for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02562040.

Adenotonsillectomy for Snoring and Mild Sleep Apnea in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The utility of adenotonsillectomy in children who have habitual snoring without frequent obstructive breathing events (mild sleep-disordered breathing [SDB]) is unknown. Objectives: To evaluate early adenotonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting and supportive care (watchful waiting) on neurodevelopmental, behavioral, health, and polysomnographic outcomes in children with mild SDB. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial enrolling 459 children aged 3 to 12.9 years with snoring and an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) less than 3 enrolled at 7 US academic sleep centers from June 29, 2016, to February 1, 2021, and followed up for 12 months. Intervention: Participants were randomized 1:1 to either early adenotonsillectomy (n = 231) or watchful waiting (n = 228). Main Outcomes and Measures: The 2 primary outcomes were changes from baseline to 12 months for caregiver-reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) Global Executive Composite (GEC) T score, a measure of executive function; and a computerized test of attention, the Go/No-go (GNG) test d-prime signal detection score, reflecting the probability of response to target vs nontarget stimuli. Twenty-two secondary outcomes included 12-month changes in neurodevelopmental, behavioral, quality of life, sleep, and health outcomes. Results: Of the 458 participants in the analyzed sample (231 adenotonsillectomy and 237 watchful waiting; mean age, 6.1 years; 230 female [50%]; 123 Black/African American [26.9%]; 75 Hispanic [16.3%]; median AHI, 0.5 [IQR, 0.2-1.1]), 394 children (86%) completed 12-month follow-up visits. There were no statistically significant differences in change from baseline between the 2 groups in executive function (BRIEF GEC T-scores: -3.1 for adenotonsillectomy vs -1.9 for watchful waiting; difference, -0.96 [95% CI, -2.66 to 0.74]) or attention (GNG d-prime scores: 0.2 for adenotonsillectomy vs 0.1 for watchful waiting; difference, 0.05 [95% CI, -0.18 to 0.27]) at 12 months. Behavioral problems, sleepiness, symptoms, and quality of life each improved more with adenotonsillectomy than with watchful waiting. Adenotonsillectomy was associated with a greater 12-month decline in systolic and diastolic blood pressure percentile levels (difference in changes, -9.02 [97% CI, -15.49 to -2.54] and -6.52 [97% CI, -11.59 to -1.45], respectively) and less progression of the AHI to greater than 3 events/h (1.3% of children in the adenotonsillectomy group compared with 13.2% in the watchful waiting group; difference, -11.2% [97% CI, -17.5% to -4.9%]). Six children (2.7%) experienced a serious adverse event associated with adenotonsillectomy. Conclusions: In children with mild SDB, adenotonsillectomy, compared with watchful waiting, did not significantly improve executive function or attention at 12 months. However, children with adenotonsillectomy had improved secondary outcomes, including behavior, symptoms, and quality of life and decreased blood pressure, at 12-month follow-up. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02562040.

Development of a High-Fidelity, 3D Printed Otoplasty Surgical Simulator.

IMPORTANCE: Prominotia has functional and esthetic impact for the child and family and proficiency in otoplasty requires experiential rehearsal. OBJECTIVES: To design and validate an anatomically accurate, 3D printed prominotia simulator for rehearsal of otoplasties. METHODS: A 3D prominotia model was designed from a computed tomographic (CT) scan and edited in 3-matic software. Negative molds were 3D printed and filled with silicone. Expert surgeons performed an otoplasty procedure on these simulators and provided Likert-based feedback. RESULTS: Six expert surgeons with a mean of 14.3 years of practice evaluated physical qualities, realism, performance, and value of the simulator. The simulator was rated on a scale of 1 (no value) to 5 (great value) and scored 3.83 as a training tool, 3.83 as a competency evaluation tool, and 4 as a rehearsal tool. CONCLUSIONS: Expert validation rated the otoplasty simulator highly in physical qualities, realism, performance, and value. With minor modifications, this model demonstrates valuable educational potential.

Comparison of Caregiver- and Child-Reported Quality of Life in Children With Sleep-Disordered Breathing.

OBJECTIVE: Caregivers frequently report poor quality of life (QOL) in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Our objective is to assess the correlation between caregiver- and child-reported QOL in children with mild SDB and identify factors associated with differences between caregiver and child report. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of baseline data from a multi-institutional randomized trial SETTING: Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring, where children with mild SDB (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index <3) were randomized to observation or adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) assessed baseline global QOL in participating children 5 to 12 years old and their caregivers. Caregiver and child scores were compared. Multivariable regression assessed whether clinical factors were associated with differences between caregiver and child report. RESULTS: PedsQL scores were available for 309 families (mean child age, 7.0 years). The mean caregiver-reported PedsQL score was higher at 75.2 (indicating better QOL) than the mean child-reported score of 67.9 (P < .001). The agreement between caregiver and child total PedsQL scores was poor, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.03 (95% CI, -0.09 to 0.15) for children 5 to 7 years old and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.03-0.38) for children 8 to 12 years old. Higher child age and health literacy were associated with closer agreement between caregiver and child report. CONCLUSION: Caregiver- and child-reported global QOL in children with SDB was weakly correlated, more so for young children. In pediatric SDB, child-perceived QOL may be poorer than that reported by caregivers. Further research is needed to assess whether similar trends exist for disease-specific QOL metrics.

A Validated 3D Printed Laryngeal Suturing Simulator for Endoscopic Laryngeal Cleft Repair.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic laryngeal cleft repair (ELCR) with endolaryngeal suturing is an advanced surgical skill. This study objective was to assess the validity of 3-dimensionally (3D) printed laryngeal suturing simulator for ELCR. STUDY DESIGN: Development and validation of a simulator for ELCR. METHODS: An ELCR model was developed using 3D printed and readily available materials. Participants were surveyed before and after a simulation session using five-point Likert scale questions. Performance data was assessed using blinded expert video review and rated using a novel objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) for endoscopic laryngeal suturing. RESULTS: Twenty-one participants ranging from residents to attendings completed the simulation session. Survey respondents reported on a five-point Likert scale that the model was "easy to use" and "quite realistic" (both mean of 4). Confidence improved significantly in 86% of participants (p < 0.01). Overall OSATS scores (out of a total of 55) showed a median improvement in technical skills of 11.7 points (p = 0.004). OSATS demonstrated good intra-rater (κ = 0.689 and 0.677) and moderate inter-rater (κ = 0.573) reliability. Completion times improved from the first to the last suture by a median time of 512 to 350 s (decrease of 202 s, p = 0.002). Participants with no prior ELCR experience improved more than those with in vivo experience. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the validity of a simulator utilizing 3D printed larynges for ELCR. A novel OSATS for endoscopic laryngeal suturing was successfully implemented. Confidence, technical skills, and completion times improved with the use of the model across a variety of participants. Laryngoscope, 133:785-791, 2023.

Simulation of laryngotracheal reconstruction with 3D-printed models and porcine cadaveric models.

Objectives: Laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) is a complex operation used to treat subglottic stenosis. The use of simulator models is a valuable tool in surgical trainee education, particularly for operations such as LTR that are less common outside high-volume centers. Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the human airway may provide an effective and more accessible alternative to porcine cadaveric models. The objective of this study is to compare the educational value of a 3D-printed model and a porcine cadaveric model as LTR simulation methods. Methods: Simulated LTR procedures were completed by 12 otolaryngology residents and a faculty physician on the cadaveric model and the 3D-printed simulator model. Both models were evaluated by fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologists to establish construct validity. Pre-procedure surveys of participants evaluated confidence and attitude toward models and post-procedure surveys evaluated confidence, overall impressions, relevance, content validity, and face validity. Results: Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after performing LTR on the 3D-printed model (14%) and cadaveric model (11%). Participants rated both models similarly for utility as an overall training tool and in teaching surgical planning and improving operative techniques. However, participants found the 3D-printed model more useful for teaching anatomy (p = .047). Conclusion: 3D-printed models have practical benefits over cadaveric models; they do not decompose and can be custom made to model a disease state such as subglottic stenosis. Participants reported a similar mean increase in confidence after using either simulation. The 3D-printed model is a promising simulation candidate as it compares well to an animal model and has the advantage of being more anatomically true to pediatric patients.Level of Evidence: Level 2.

A national pediatric otolaryngology fellowship virtual dissection course using 3D printed simulators.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to create and evaluate a novel virtual platform dissection course to complement pediatric otolaryngology fellowship training in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A four-station, four-simulator virtual course was delivered to pediatric otolaryngology fellows virtually using teleconferencing software. The four stations consisted of microtia ear carving, airway graft carving, cleft lip repair, and cleft palate repair. Fellows were asked to complete pre- and post-course surveys to evaluate their procedural confidence, expertise, and attitudes towards the course structure. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of pre-course survey data showed fellows agreed that simulators should play an important part in surgical training (4.59 (0.62)); would like more options for training with simulators (4.31 (0.88)); and would like the option of saving their simulators for later reference (4.41 (0.85)). Fellows found the surgical simulators used in the course to be valuable as potential training tools (3.96 (0.96)), as competency or evaluation tools (3.91 (0.98)), and as rehearsal tools (4.06 (0.93)). Analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in overall surgical confidence in performing all four procedures. CONCLUSION: This virtual surgical dissection course demonstrates 3D printed surgical simulators can be utilized to teach fellows advanced surgical techniques in a low-risk, virtual environment. Virtual platforms are a viable, highly-rated option for surgical training in the setting of restricted in-person meetings and as a mechanism to increase access for fellows by reducing costs and travel requirements during unrestricted periods.

Reduction in inpatient readmissions following implementation of a dedicated tracheostomy care team.

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric tracheostomy patients are at risk for lengthy hospitalizations and multiple readmissions with rare but potentially disastrous tracheostomy-related complications. Several centers have formed multidisciplinary teams for pediatric tracheostomy patients to coordinate care and enhance caregiver education to aid in safe care delivery. Current literature has shown encouraging change in pediatric tracheostomy care with these interventions, but there remains an opportunity to better gauge alterations of morbidity. We aimed to review our institution's experience before and after development of a pediatric tracheostomy care team. METHODS: Pediatric tracheostomy patients (<19 years) who underwent tracheostomy between January 2010 and June 2020 were included. A pediatric tracheostomy care team including a nurse practitioner and registered nurse was established in July 2017. Rates of readmission, outpatient visits, decannulation rates, and mortality are examined before and after implementation of the care team. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were utilized. RESULTS: 296 patients were included with 128 patients in the pre-intervention group, 82 in the post-intervention group, and 86 completing cross-over care. The groups were comparable in age at tracheostomy, tracheostomy indication, and underlying comorbidities. Mean outpatient visits per tracheostomy-year in the post-intervention group were higher than the pre-intervention group (2.3 vs. 2.2, p = .02). Fewer mean inpatient admissions per tracheostomy-year (0.02 vs. 0.11, p = .03) were observed after intervention. Time to decannulation did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = .57). CONCLUSION: Implementation of a dedicated tracheostomy care team may help decrease inpatient admissions for tracheostomy-specific complications.

Pain management after microtia repair with costal cartilage: De-escalation and opioid use reduction.

OBJECTIVE: Complex and invasive postoperative pain regimens for microtia reconstruction with costal cartilage are often utilized. These generate added costs and invasiveness. We evaluated the effectiveness of a de-escalated pain regimen without use of invasive interventions. METHODS: Case series of patients who underwent stage 1 microtia reconstruction with a modified Nagata/Firmin technique from 2017 to 2020 at a pediatric tertiary care hospital. Patients received intraoperative bupivacaine intercostal blocks and scheduled acetaminophen. Adjunct medications administered and pain scores (Wong-Baker FACES and FLACC-Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) at intervals 2-72 h postoperatively were recorded. Narcotic use, peak and median pain scores, and length of stay were compared with published values. RESULTS: Twenty patients were included. Mean age of 12 and length of stay of 2.8 days. Average postoperative FACES scores between 0 and 72 h ranged between 0.7 and 4.0. The average peak pain score was 6.1 (±2.0). FLACC scores were low. Narcotics (0.59 ±0 .35 Morphine Milligram Equivalents/kg) were given to 17 patients. Compared to Shaffer et al. (paravertebral catheter-based infusion), total narcotics use (p = 0.03), peak pain (p = 0.0001), and length of stay (p = 0.001) were less. Compared to Woo et al. (intercostal catheter-based infusion), median pain scores at identical time intervals were lower (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative intercostal nerve blocks followed by scheduled, weight-based acetaminophen, adjunctive medications (ibuprofen and lidocaine patches), and rescue narcotics are effective in managing pain following microtia repair with autologous costal cartilage. It results in decreased narcotic usage, shorter length of stay, and lower pain scores compared to more complex regimens.

Novel treatment for hypotonic airway obstruction and severe obstructive sleep apnea using a nasopharyngeal airway device with 3D printing innovation.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea impacts child and familial well-being. Airway management in patients with hypotonic pharyngeal conditions is complex. Some patients may benefit from continuous positive airway pressure or bilevel positive airway pressure, others may require further invasive measures for treatment. There is critical need for treatment alternatives for patients with pharyngeal hypotonia. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. Collaboratively with patients, families, biomedical engineers, and medical professionals, a long-term nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) was created to bypass upper airway obstruction. Two patients used a safety pin and tape attachment, and two patients used a novel 3D-printed, self-supporting nasal securement. All 4 patients had polysomnography before and during NPA use. Paired 1-tailed t-tests were conducted to compare apnea-hypopnea index, hypopnea index, obstructive index, and oxygen nadir. RESULTS: Compared to baseline polysomnography, repeat polysomnography with the NPA in place demonstrated statistically significant improvement for apnea-hypopnea index (75.8 ± 36.6 events/h to 8.9 ± 2.9 events/h, P = .03), hypopnea index (45.4 ± 25.8 events/h to 7.7 ± 3.2 events/h, P = .04), and oxygen saturation nadir (60.3 ± 13.0% to 79.3 ± 8.7%, P = .01). The NPA had been used for over 1 year in 3 of the 4 children. Those using the safety pin and tape did report skin irritation due to adhesive required to keep device in place. CONCLUSIONS: Current management of severe upper airway obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea in hypotonic pharyngeal conditions requires a team-based approach to care. A long-term NPA device may be an alternative or temporizing option to continuous positive airway pressure, upper airway surgery, or tracheostomy in children with pharyngeal hypotonia and severe obstructive sleep apnea. Larger studies of this approach are underway to assess efficacy in a range of obstructive sleep apnea severity in this population. CITATION: Powell AR, Srinivasan S, Helman JL, et al. Novel treatment for hypotonic airway obstruction and severe obstructive sleep apnea using a nasopharyngeal airway device with 3D printing innovation. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2497-2502.

To generate a photonic nanojet outside a high refractive index microsphere illuminated by a Gaussian beam.

A non-resonant, concentrated, narrow beam of light emerging from an illuminated microlens is called a photonic nanojet (PNJ). According to currently prevailing opinion, microspheres and microcylinders are only able to generate a PNJ in their exterior when their refractive index ns (or refractive index contrast) is less than 2. In this Letter we demonstrate that a PNJ can emerge from a microsphere even when ns > 2: first by employing the laws of geometrical optics for a divergent light source; then, by using ray transfer matrix analysis, a mathematical condition for the Gaussian beam (GB) outside the high ns microsphere is derived. The PNJ outside the microsphere with ns = 2.5 is simulated using Generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT), by using a front focused GB source. The simulated difference between front and back focusing on the dependence of ns is confirmed experimentally by Raman imaging. By opening the PNJ field for high refractive index materials, we believe this work will be a nucleus for new ideas in the field and enable new PNJ applications.

Neurobehavioral morbidity of pediatric mild sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with neurobehavioral dysfunction, but the relationship between disease severity as measured by the apnea-hypopnea index and neurobehavioral morbidity is unclear. The objective of our study is to compare the neurobehavioral morbidity of mild sleep-disordered breathing versus obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: Children 3-12 years old recruited for mild sleep-disordered breathing (snoring with obstructive apnea-hypopnea index < 3) into the Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring were compared to children 5-9 years old recruited for obstructive sleep apnea (obstructive apnea-hypopnea 2-30) into the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial. Baseline demographic, polysomnographic, and neurobehavioral outcomes were compared using univariable and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The sample included 453 participants with obstructive sleep apnea (median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index 5.7) and 459 participants with mild sleep-disordered breathing (median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index 0.5). By polysomnography, participants with obstructive sleep apnea had poorer sleep efficiency and more arousals. Children with mild sleep-disordered breathing had more abnormal executive function scores (adjusted odds ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.30-2.94) compared to children with obstructive sleep apnea. There were also elevated Conners scores for inattention (adjusted odds ratio 3.16, CI 1.98-5.02) and hyperactivity (adjusted odds ratio 2.82, CI 1.83-4.34) in children recruited for mild sleep-disordered breathing. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal executive function, inattention, and hyperactivity were more common in symptomatic children recruited into a trial for mild sleep-disordered breathing compared to children recruited into a trial for obstructive sleep apnea. Young, snoring children with only minimally elevated apnea-hypopnea levels may still be at risk for deficits in executive function and attention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy for Snoring (PATS), NCT02562040; Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT), NCT00560859.

Development of a new antigen-based microarray platform for screening and detection of human IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Strategies to contain the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic rely, beside vaccinations, also on molecular and serological testing. For any kind of assay development, screening for the optimal antigen is essential. Here we describe the verification of a new protein microarray with different commercially available preparations significant antigens of SARS-CoV-2 that can be used for the evaluation of the performance of these antigens in serological assays and for antibody screening in serum samples. Antigens of other pathogens that are addressed by widely used vaccinations were also included. To evaluate the accuracy of 21 different antigens or antigen preparations on the microarray, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis using ELISA results as reference were performed. Except for a single concentration, a diagnostic sensitivity of 1 was determined for all antigen preparations. A diagnostic specificity, as well as an area under the curve (AUC) of 1 was obtained for 16 of 21 antigen preparations. For the remaining five, the diagnostic specificity ranged from 0.942 to 0.981 and AUC from 0.974 to 0.999. The optimized assay was subsequently also applied to determine the immune status of previously tested individuals and/or to detect the immunization status after COVID-19 vaccination. Microarray evaluation of the antibody profiles of COVID-19 convalescent and post vaccination sera showed that the IgG response differed between these groups, and that the choice of the test antigen is crucial for the assay performance. Furthermore, the results showed that the immune response is highly individualized, depended on several factors (e.g., age or sex), and was not directly related to the severity of disease. The new protein microarray provides an ideal method for the parallel screening of many different antigens of vaccine-preventable diseases in a single sample and for reliable and meaningful diagnostic tests, as well as for the development of safe and specific vaccines.

Starting a medical 3D printing lab for otolaryngology-head and neck surgery collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the different strategies for developing and maintaining a 3-dimensional (3D) printing lab. METHODS: We evaluated two printing labs and compared their structure, integration, and production. RESULTS: While one lab was initiated by a clinician and the other by a technical expert, both labs followed a similar series of steps to develop their lab. Each identified a key clinical need, developed a collaborative team, found financial support, and discovered options for sustainability. CONCLUSIONS: While there is no correct path for developing a 3D printing lab, depending on the existing infrastructure and the clinical need, one may choose a certain initial structure for a lab while following a list of common necessary steps.

Integrated microtia and aural atresia management.

Objectives: To present recommendations for the coordinated evaluation and management of the hearing and reconstructive needs of patients with microtia and aural atresia. Methods: A national working group of 9 experts on microtia and atresia evaluated a working document on the evaluation and treatment of patients. Treatment options for auricular reconstruction and hearing habilitation were reviewed and integrated into a coordinated care timeline. Results: Recommendations were created for children with microtia and atresia, including diagnostic considerations, surgical and non-surgical options for hearing management and auricular reconstruction, and the treatment timeline for each option. These recommendations are based on the collective opinion of the group and are intended for otolaryngologists, audiologists, plastic surgeons, anaplastologists, and any provider caring for a patient with microtia and ear canal atresia. Close communication between atresia/hearing reconstruction surgeon and microtia repair surgeon is strongly recommended.

A Longitudinal Comparison of Telemedicine Versus In-Person Otolaryngology Clinic Efficiency and Patient Satisfaction During COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Telemedicine was increasingly adopted in otolaryngology as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but how it compares to in-person visits over the longitudinal course of the pandemic has not been characterized. This study compares telemedicine visits to in-person visits on measures of clinical efficiency and patient satisfaction. METHODS: We examined all in-person and telemedicine encounters that occurred during the 13-month period from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 at a pediatric otolaryngology clinic associated with a large tertiary care children's hospital. We compared patient demographics, primary encounter diagnoses, completions, cancellations, no-shows, cycle time, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 19 541 (90.5%) in-person visits and 2051 (9.5%) telemedicine visits were scheduled over the study period. There was no difference in patient age or gender between the visit types. There was a difference in race (75% White or Caucasian for in-person and 73% for telemedicine, P = .007) and average travel distance (53.3 miles for in-person vs 71.0 for telemedicine, P = .000). The most common primary diagnosis was Eustachian tube dysfunction for in-person visits (11.8%) and sleep disordered breathing for telemedicine visits (13.7%). Completion rate was greater for telemedicine visits (52.4% in-person vs 62.5% telemedicine). Cancellations were greater for in-person visits (42.6% in-person vs 24.2% telemedicine), but no-shows were greater for telemedicine (5.0% in-person vs 13.3% telemedicine, all P = .000). Average cycle time was shorter for telemedicine visits (56.5 minutes in-person vs 47.6 minutes telemedicine, P = .000). Patient satisfaction with provider interactions and overall care experience was high for both visit types. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine was utilized more during months of heightened COVID-19 cases, with higher completion rates, fewer cancellations, shorter cycle times, saved travel distance, and comparable patient satisfaction to in-person visits. Telemedicine has the potential to remain an efficient mode of care delivery in the post-pandemic era.