Ruminant-Waste Protein Hydrolysates and Their Derivatives as a Bio-Flocculant for Oil Sands Tailing Management.

Reclamation of tailings ponds is a critical issue for the oil industry. After years of consolidation, the slurry in tailings ponds, also known as fluid fine tailings, is mainly comprised of residual bitumen, water, and fine clay particles. To reclaim the lands that these ponds occupy, separation of the solid particles from the liquid phase is necessary to facilitate water removal and recycling. Traditionally, synthetic polymers have been used as flocculants to facilitate this process, but they can have negative environmental consequences. The use of biological polymers may provide a more environmentally friendly approach to flocculation, and eventual soil remediation, due to their natural biodegradability. Peptides derived from specified risk materials (SRM), a proteinaceous waste stream derived from the rendering industry, were investigated to assess their viability for this application. While these peptides could achieve >50% settling within 3 h in bench-scale settling tests using kaolinite tailings, crosslinking peptides with glutaraldehyde greatly improved their flocculation performance, leading to a >50% settling in only 10 min. Settling experiments using materials obtained through different reactant ratios during crosslinking identified a local optimum molar reactant ratio of 1:32 (peptide amino groups to glutaraldehyde aldehyde groups), resulting in 81.6% settling after 48 h. Taken together, these data highlight the novelty of crosslinking waste-derived peptides with glutaraldehyde to generate a value-added bioflocculant with potential for tailings ponds consolidation.

3D-printed, patient-specific DIEP flap templates for preoperative planning in breast reconstruction: a prospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Modern imaging technologies, such as computed tomographic angiography (CTA), can be useful for preoperative assessment in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery. Planning perforator flap design can lead to improved surgical efficiency. However, current imaging modalities are limited by being displayed on a two-dimensional (2D) surface. In contrast, a 3D-printed model provides tactile feedback that facilitates superior understanding. Hence, we have 3D-printed patient-specific deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) templates, in an affordable and convenient manner, for preoperative planning. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients undergoing 25 immediate or delayed post-mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction with DIEP or muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis (MS-TRAM) flaps are recruited prospectively. Using free, open-source softwares (3D Slicer, Autodesk MeshMixer, and Cura) and desktop 3D printers (Ultimaker 3E and Moment), we created a template based on a patient's abdominal wall anatomy from CTA, with holes and lines indicating the position of perforators, their intramuscular course and the DIEA pedicle. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 52 [38-67]. There were 15 immediate and 10 delayed reconstructions. 3D printing time took mean 18 hours and 123.7 g of plastic filament, which calculates to a mean material cost of AUD 8.25. DIEP templates accurately identified the perforators and reduced intraoperative perforator identification by 7.29 minutes (P=0.02). However, the intramuscular dissection time was not affected (P=0.34). Surgeons found the template useful for preoperative marking (8.6/10) and planning (7.9/10), but not for intramuscular dissection (5.9/10). There were no immediate flap-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our 3D-printed, patient-specific DIEP template is accurate, significantly reduces intraoperative perforator identification time and, hence, may be a useful tool for preoperative planning in autologous breast reconstruction.

The accuracy of clinical 3D printing in reconstructive surgery: literature review and in vivo validation study.

A growing number of studies demonstrate the benefits of 3D printing in improving surgical efficiency and subsequently clinical outcomes. However, the number of studies evaluating the accuracy of 3D printing techniques remains scarce. All publications appraising the accuracy of 3D printing between 1950 and 2018 were reviewed using well-established databases, including PubMed, Medline, Web of Science and Embase. An in vivo validation study of our 3D printing technique was undertaken using unprocessed chicken radius bones (Gallus gallus domesticus). Calculating its maximum length, we compared the measurements from computed tomography (CT) scans (CT group), image segmentation (SEG group) and 3D-printed (3DP) models (3DP group). Twenty-eight comparison studies in 19 papers have been identified. Published mean error of CT-based 3D printing techniques were 0.46 mm (1.06%) in stereolithography, 1.05 mm (1.78%) in binder jet technology, 0.72 mm (0.82%) in PolyJet technique, 0.20 mm (0.95%) in fused filament fabrication (FFF) and 0.72 mm (1.25%) in selective laser sintering (SLS). In the current in vivo validation study, mean errors were 0.34 mm (0.86%) in CT group, 1.02 mm (2.51%) in SEG group and 1.16 mm (2.84%) in 3DP group. Our Peninsula 3D printing technique using a FFF 3D printer thus produced accuracy similar to the published studies (1.16 mm, 2.84%). There was a statistically significant difference (P<10-4) between the CT group and the latter SEG and 3DP groups indicating that most of the error is introduced during image segmentation stage.

Using Specified Risk Materials-Based Peptides for Oil Sands Fluid Fine Tailings Management.

Fluid fine tailings are produced in huge quantities by Canada's mined oil sands industry. Due to the high colloidal stability of the contained fine solids, settling of fluid fine tailings can take hundreds of years, making the entrapped water unavailable and posing challenges to public health and the environment. This study focuses on developing value-added aggregation agents from specified risk materials (SRM), a waste protein stream from slaughterhouse industries, to achieve an improved separation of fluid fine tailings into free water and solids. Settling results using synthetic kaolinite slurries demonstrated that, though not as effective as hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, a commercial flocculant, the use of SRM-derived peptides enabled a 2-3-fold faster initial settling rate than the blank control. The pH of synthetic kaolinite tailings was observed to be slightly reduced with increasing peptides dosage in the test range (10-50 kg/ton). The experiments on diluted fluid fine tailings (as a representation of real oil sands tailings) demonstrated an optimum peptides dosage of 14 kg/ton, which resulted in a 4-fold faster initial settling rate compared to the untreated tailings. Overall, this study demonstrates the novelty and feasibility of using SRM-peptides to address intractable oil sands fluid tailings.

Improved bioethanol productivity through gas flow rate-driven self-cycling fermentation.

BACKGROUND: The growth of the cellulosic ethanol industry is currently impeded by high production costs. One possible solution is to improve the performance of fermentation itself, which has great potential to improve the economics of the entire production process. Here, we demonstrated significantly improved productivity through application of an advanced fermentation approach, named self-cycling fermentation (SCF), for cellulosic ethanol production. RESULTS: The flow rate of outlet gas from the fermenter was used as a real-time monitoring parameter to drive the cycling of the ethanol fermentation process. Then, long-term operation of SCF under anaerobic conditions was improved by the addition of ergosterol and fatty acids, which stabilized operation and reduced fermentation time. Finally, an automated SCF system was successfully operated for 21 cycles, with robust behavior and stable ethanol production. SCF maintained similar ethanol titers to batch operation while significantly reducing fermentation and down times. This led to significant improvements in ethanol volumetric productivity (the amount of ethanol produced by a cycle per working volume per cycle time)-ranging from 37.5 to 75.3%, depending on the cycle number, and in annual ethanol productivity (the amount of ethanol that can be produced each year at large scale)-reaching 75.8 ± 2.9%. Improved flocculation, with potential advantages for biomass removal and reduction in downstream costs, was also observed. CONCLUSION: Our successful demonstration of SCF could help reduce production costs for the cellulosic ethanol industry through improved productivity and automated operation.

Failure Rates of Base of Thumb Arthritis Surgery: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current review was to estimate failure rates of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) implants and compare against failure rates of nonimplant techniques for surgical treatment of TMC joint (basal thumb joint) arthritis. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify articles reporting on thumb implant arthroplasty and on nonimplant arthroplasty techniques for treatment of base of thumb arthritis in the English literature. The collected data were combined to calculate failure rates per 100 procedure-years. Failure was defined by the requirement for a secondary salvage procedure. The failure rates between different implant and nonimplant arthroplasty groups were compared directly and implants with higher than anticipated failure rates were identified. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five articles on implant arthroplasty and 33 articles on the outcome of nonimplant surgical arthroplasty of the TMC joint were included. The implant arthroplasty failure rates per 100 procedure-years were total joint replacement (2.4), hemiarthroplasty (2.5), interposition with partial trapezial resection (4.5), interposition with complete trapezial resection (1.7), and interposition with no trapezial resection (4.5). The nonimplant arthroplasty failure rates per 100 procedure-years were: trapeziectomy (0.49), joint fusion (0.52), and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction ± tendon interposition (0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Several implant designs (arthroplasties) had high rates of failure due to aseptic loosening, dislocation, and persisting pain. Furthermore, some implants had higher than anticipated failure rates than other implants within each class. Overall, the failure rates of nonimplant techniques were lower than those of implant arthroplasty. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

In-Vivo Quantitative Mapping of the Perforasomes of Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforators.

BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of anatomy of perforator angiosomes, or "perforasomes," of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA). A perforasome is defined as the territory perfused by a single perforator vessel of a named artery, such as the DIEA. Given the clinical significance of this anatomical concept in microsurgical breast reconstruction, this study is a quantitative investigation of DIEA perforasome characteristics and patterns associated with perforasome size, perforator caliber, location and branching, using computed tomographic (CT) angiography. METHODS: Twenty abdominal arterial-phase CT angiograms were analyzed in 3 dimensions using software (Horos). DIEA perforasomes were mapped, yielding data on 40 medial-row and 40 lateral-row perforasomes. Perforator branch extents and number were measured using 3-dimensional multi-planar reconstruction, and perforator caliber on axial slices. RESULTS: Perforasomes exhibited eccentric branching distributions in horizontal and vertical axes, that is, a majority of perforators were not centrally located within their perforasomes. Lateral-row perforasomes displayed greater horizontal eccentricity than medial-row. There was a positive correlation between perforator caliber and perforasome size. Medial-row perforators had more branches and larger caliber than lateral-row. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first article to quantify relationships between perforators and their territories of supply in vivo, augmenting current understanding of perforasome theory. DIEA perforasomes can be readily visualized and mapped with CT angiography, which may enable effective preoperative flap planning in DIEA perforator flap breast reconstruction. Future investigation may highlight the importance of this information in improving surgical outcomes, including flap survival and fat necrosis reduction, through careful, perforasome-based flap design.

Enhanced Preoperative Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap Planning with a 3D-Printed Perforasome Template: Technique and Case Report.

Optimizing preoperative planning is widely sought in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap surgery. One reason for this is that rates of fat necrosis remain relatively high (up to 35%), and that adjusting flap design by an improved understanding of individual perforasomes and perfusion characteristics may be useful in reducing the risk of fat necrosis. Imaging techniques have substantially improved over the past decade, and with recent advances in 3D printing, an improved demonstration of imaged anatomy has become available. We describe a 3D-printed template that can be used preoperatively to mark out a patient's individualized perforasome for flap planning in DIEP flap surgery. We describe this "perforasome template" technique in a case of a 46-year-old woman undergoing immediate unilateral breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap. Routine preoperative computed tomographic angiography was performed, with open-source software (3D Slicer, Autodesk MeshMixer and Cura) and a desktop 3D printer (Ultimaker 3E) used to create a template used to mark intra-flap, subcutaneous branches of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforators on the abdomen. An individualized 3D printed template was used to estimate the size and boundaries of a perforasome and perfusion map. The information was used to aid flap design. We describe a new technique of 3D printing a patient-specific perforasome template that can be used preoperatively to infer perforasomes and aid flap design.

Enhancing breast projection in autologous reconstruction using the St Andrew's coning technique and 3D volumetric analysis.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of women undergo mastectomy for breast cancer and post-mastectomy autologous breast reconstruction has been shown to significantly improve the psychosexual wellbeing of the patients. A goal of treatment is to achieve symmetry and projection to match the native breast, and/or the contralateral breast in the case of a unilateral reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction, particularly with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap, is particularly advantageous as it can be manipulated to mimic the shape and turgor of the native breast. However, very few techniques of shaping the breast conus when insetting the DIEP flap to enhance aesthetic outcome have been reported to date. With the aide of three-dimension (3D) photography and 3D-printed mirrored image of the contralateral breast as a guide intraoperatively, we describe our St Andrew's coning technique to create a personalized flap projection. METHOD: We report a prospective case series of 3 delayed unilateral breast reconstructions where symmetrization procedure to the contralateral breast was not indicated. Using a commercial 3D scanner (VECTRA XR, Canfield Scientific), the breast region was imaged. The mirrored image was 3D-printed in-house using a desktop 3D printer. RESULTS: In all cases, projection of the breast mound was able to be safely achieved, with a demonstrated central volume (or 'cone') able to be highlighted on imaging and a 3D printed breast. A 3D print of the contralateral breast was able to be used intraoperatively to guide the operative approach. CONCLUSIONS: The St Andrew's coning technique is a useful aesthetic maneuver for achieving breast projection during DIEP flap breast reconstruction, with 3D imaging techniques able to assist in perioperative assessment of breast volume.

Erratum to comparative study of software techniques for 3D mapping of perforators in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap planning.

[This corrects the article on p. 99 in vol. 5, PMID: 27047778.].

3D Volumetric Modeling and Microvascular Reconstruction of Irradiated Lumbosacral Defects after Oncologic Resection.

BACKGROUND: Locoregional flaps are sufficient in most sacral reconstructions. However, large sacral defects due to malignancy necessitate a different reconstructive approach, with local flaps compromised by radiation and regional flaps inadequate for broad surface areas or substantial volume obliteration. In this report, we present our experience using free muscle transfer for volumetric reconstruction, in such cases, and demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) haptic models of the sacral defect to aid preoperative planning. METHODS: Five consecutive patients with irradiated sacral defects secondary to oncologic resections were included, surface area ranging from 143-600 cm2. Latissimus dorsi (LD)-based free flap sacral reconstruction was performed in each case, between 2005 and 2011. Where the superior gluteal artery was compromised, the subcostal artery (SA) was used as a recipient vessel. Microvascular technique, complications, and outcomes are reported. The use of volumetric analysis and 3D printing is also demonstrated, with imaging data converted to 3D images suitable for 3D printing with Osirix software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland). An office-based, desktop 3D printer was used to print 3D models of sacral defects, used to demonstrate surface area and contour and produce a volumetric print of the dead space needed for flap obliteration. RESULTS: The clinical series of LD free flap reconstructions is presented, with successful transfer in all cases, and adequate soft-tissue cover and volume obliteration achieved. The original use of the SA as a recipient vessel was successfully achieved. All wounds healed uneventfully. 3D printing is also demonstrated as a useful tool for 3D evaluation of volume and dead space. CONCLUSION: Free flaps offer unique benefits in sacral reconstruction where local tissue is compromised by irradiation and tumor recurrence, and dead space requires accurate volumetric reconstruction. We describe for the first time the use of the SA as a recipient in free flap sacral reconstruction. 3D printing of haptic bio-models is a rapidly evolving field with a substantial role in preoperative planning.

3D haptic modelling for preoperative planning of hepatic resection: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: Three dimensional (3D) printing has gained popularity in the medical field because of increased research in the field of haptic 3D modeling. We review the role of 3D printing with specific reference to liver directed applications. METHODS: A literature search was performed using the scientific databases Medline and PubMed. We performed this in-line with the PRISMA [20] statement. We only included articles in English, available in full text, published about adults, about liver surgery and published between 2005 and 2015. The 3D model of a patient's liver venous vasculature and metastasis was prepared from a CT scan using Osirix software (Pixmeo, Gineva, Switzerland) and printed using our 3D printer (MakerBot Replicator Z18, US). To validate the model, measurements from the inferior vena cava (IVC) were compared between the CT scan and the 3D printed model. RESULTS: A total of six studies were retrieved on 3D printing directly related to a liver application. While stereolithography (STL) remains the gold standard in medical additive manufacturing, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is cheaper and may be more applicable. We found our liver 3D model made by FFF had a 0.1 ± 0.06 mm margin of error (mean ± standard deviation) compared with the CT scans. CONCLUSION: 3D printing in general surgery is yet to be thoroughly exploited. The most relevant feature of interest with regard to liver surgery is the ability to view the 3D dimensional relationship of the various hepatic and portal veins with respect to tumor deposits when planning hepatic resection. Systematic review registration number: researchregistry1348.

Comparative study of software techniques for 3D mapping of perforators in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap planning.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomographic (CT) angiography (CTA) is widely considered the gold standard imaging modality for preoperative planning autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator (DIEP) flap. Improved anatomical understanding from CTA has translated to enhanced clinical outcomes. To achieve this, the use of appropriate CT hardware and software is vital. Various CT scanners and contrast materials have been demonstrated to consistently produce adequate scan data. However, the availability of affordable and easily accessible imaging software capable of generating 3D volume-rendered perforator images to clinically useful quality has been lacking. Osirix (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland) is a free, readily available medical image processing software that shows promise. We have previously demonstrated in a case report the usefulness of Osirix in localizing perforators and their course. METHODS: In the current case series of 50 consecutive CTA scans, we compare the accuracy of Osirix to a commonly used proprietary 3D imaging software, Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), in identifying perforator number and location. Moreover, we compared both programs to intraoperative findings. RESULTS: We report a high rate of concordance with Osirix and Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D (99.6%). Both programs correlated closely with operative findings (92.2%). Most of the discrepancies were found in the lateral row perforators (90%). CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, we report the accuracy of Osirix that is comparable to Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D, a proprietary software, in mapping perforators. However, it provides an added advantage of being free, easy-to-use, portable, and potentially a superior quality of 3D reconstructed image.

Indocyanine green-based fluorescent angiography in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescent angiography (FA) has been useful for assessing blood flow and assessing tissue perfusion in ophthalmology and other surgical disciplines for decades. In plastic surgery, indocyanine green (ICG) dye-based FA is a relatively novel imaging technology with high potential in various applications. We review the various FA detector systems currently available and critically appraise its utility in breast reconstruction. METHODS: A review of the published English literature dating from 1950 to 2015 using databases, such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE was undertaken. RESULTS: In comparison to the old fluorescein dye, ICG has a superior side effect profile and can be accurately detected by various commercial devices, such as SPY Elite (Novadaq, Canada), FLARE (Curadel LLC, USA), PDE-Neo (Hamamatsu Photonics, Japan), Fluobeam 800 (Fluoptics, France), and IC-View (Pulsion Medical Systems AG, Germany). In breast reconstruction, ICG has established as a safer, more accurate tracer agent, in lieu of the traditional blue dyes, for detection of sentinel lymph nodes with radioactive isotopes ((99m)-Technetium). In prosthesis-based breast reconstruction, intraoperative assessment of the mastectomy skin flap to guide excision of hypoperfused areas translates to improved clinical outcomes. Similarly, in autologous breast reconstructions, FA can be utilized to detect poorly perfused areas of the free flap, evaluate microvascular anastomosis for patency, and assess SIEA vascular territory for use as an alternative free flap with minimal donor site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: ICG-based FA is a novel, useful tool for various applications in breast reconstruction. More studies with higher level of evidence are currently lacking to validate this technology.

Alloplastic adjuncts in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing role of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) and synthetic meshes in both single- and two-stage implant/expander breast reconstruction. Numerous alloplastic adjuncts exist, and these vary in material type, processing, storage, surgical preparation, level of sterility, available sizes and cost. However, there is little published data on most, posing a significant challenge to the reconstructive surgeon trying to compare and select the most suitable product. The aims of this systematic review were to identify, summarize and evaluate the outcomes of studies describing the use of alloplastic adjuncts for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The secondary aims were to determine their cost-effectiveness and analyze outcomes in patients who also underwent radiotherapy. METHODS: Using the PRSIMA 2009 statement, a systematic review was conducted to find articles reporting on the outcomes on the use of alloplastic adjuncts in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. Multiple databases were searched independently by three authors (Cabalag MS, Miller GS and Chae MP), including: Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to present), Embase (1980 to 2015), PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. RESULTS: Current published literature on available alloplastic adjuncts are predominantly centered on ADMs, both allogeneic and xenogeneic, with few outcome studies available for synthetic meshes. Outcomes on the 89 articles, which met the inclusion criteria, were summarized and analyzed. The reported outcomes on alloplastic adjunct-assisted breast reconstruction were varied, with most data available on the use of ADMs, particularly AlloDerm(®) (LifeCell, Branchburg, New Jersey, USA). The use of ADMs in single-stage direct-to-implant breast reconstruction resulted in lower complication rates (infection, seroma, implant loss and late revision), and was more cost effective when compared to non-ADM, two-stage reconstruction. The majority of studies demonstrated inferior outcomes in ADM assisted, two-stage expander-to-implant reconstruction compared to non-ADM use. Multiple studies suggest that the use of ADMs results in a reduction of capsular contracture rates. Additionally, the reported beneficial effects of ADM use in irradiated tissue were varied. CONCLUSIONS: ADM assisted two-stage breast reconstruction was associated with inferior outcomes when compared to non-ADM use. However, alloplastic adjuncts may have a role in single stage, direct-to-implant breast reconstruction. Published evidence comparing the long-term outcomes between the different types of adjuncts is lacking, and further level one studies are required to identify the ideal product.

Breast volumetric analysis for aesthetic planning in breast reconstruction: a literature review of techniques.

BACKGROUND: Accurate volumetric analysis is an essential component of preoperative planning in both reconstructive and aesthetic breast procedures towards achieving symmetrization and patient-satisfactory outcome. Numerous comparative studies and reviews of individual techniques have been reported. However, a unifying review of all techniques comparing their accuracy, reliability, and practicality has been lacking. METHODS: A review of the published English literature dating from 1950 to 2015 using databases, such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE, was undertaken. RESULTS: Since Bouman's first description of water displacement method, a range of volumetric assessment techniques have been described: thermoplastic casting, direct anthropomorphic measurement, two-dimensional (2D) imaging, and computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. However, most have been unreliable, difficult to execute and demonstrate limited practicability. Introduction of 3D surface imaging has revolutionized the field due to its ease of use, fast speed, accuracy, and reliability. However, its widespread use has been limited by its high cost and lack of high level of evidence. Recent developments have unveiled the first web-based 3D surface imaging program, 4D imaging, and 3D printing. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its importance, an accurate, reliable, and simple breast volumetric analysis tool has been elusive until the introduction of 3D surface imaging technology. However, its high cost has limited its wide usage. Novel adjunct technologies, such as web-based 3D surface imaging program, 4D imaging, and 3D printing, appear promising.

Emerging Applications of Bedside 3D Printing in Plastic Surgery.

Modern imaging techniques are an essential component of preoperative planning in plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, conventional modalities, including three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions, are limited by their representation on 2D workstations. 3D printing, also known as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing, was once the province of industry to fabricate models from a computer-aided design (CAD) in a layer-by-layer manner. The early adopters in clinical practice have embraced the medical imaging-guided 3D-printed biomodels for their ability to provide tactile feedback and a superior appreciation of visuospatial relationship between anatomical structures. With increasing accessibility, investigators are able to convert standard imaging data into a CAD file using various 3D reconstruction softwares and ultimately fabricate 3D models using 3D printing techniques, such as stereolithography, multijet modeling, selective laser sintering, binder jet technique, and fused deposition modeling. However, many clinicians have questioned whether the cost-to-benefit ratio justifies its ongoing use. The cost and size of 3D printers have rapidly decreased over the past decade in parallel with the expiration of key 3D printing patents. Significant improvements in clinical imaging and user-friendly 3D software have permitted computer-aided 3D modeling of anatomical structures and implants without outsourcing in many cases. These developments offer immense potential for the application of 3D printing at the bedside for a variety of clinical applications. In this review, existing uses of 3D printing in plastic surgery practice spanning the spectrum from templates for facial transplantation surgery through to the formation of bespoke craniofacial implants to optimize post-operative esthetics are described. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of 3D printing to become an essential office-based tool in plastic surgery to assist in preoperative planning, developing intraoperative guidance tools, teaching patients and surgical trainees, and producing patient-specific prosthetics in everyday surgical practice.

Comparative analysis of fluorescent angiography, computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance angiography for planning autologous breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The high incidence of breast cancer and growing number of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy has led to breast reconstruction becoming an important part of holistic treatment for these patients. In planning autologous reconstructions, preoperative assessment of donor site microvascular anatomy with advanced imaging modalities has assisted in the appropriate selection of flap donor site, individual perforators, and lead to an overall improvement in flap outcomes. In this review, we compare the accuracy of fluorescent angiography, computed tomographic angiography (CTA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and their impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS: A review of the published English literature dating from 1950 to 2015 using databases, such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE was undertaken. RESULTS: Fluorescent angiography is technically limited by its inability to evaluate deep-lying perforators and hence, it has a minimal role in the preoperative setting. However, it may be useful intraoperatively in evaluating microvascular anastomotic patency and the mastectomy skin perfusion. CTA is currently widely considered the standard, due to its high accuracy and reliability. Multiple studies have demonstrated its ability to improve clinical outcomes, such as operative length and flap complications. However, concerns surrounding exposure to radiation and nephrotoxic contrast agents exist. MRA has been explored, however despite recent advances, the image quality of MRA is considered inferior to CTA. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative imaging is an essential component in planning autologous breast reconstruction. Fluorescent angiography presents minimal role as a preoperative imaging modality, but may be a useful intraoperative adjunct to assess the anastomosis and the mastectomy skin perfusion. Currently, CTA is the gold standard preoperatively. MRA has a role, particularly for women of younger age, iodine allergy, and renal impairment.