Continuous oxygen monitoring to enhance ex-vivo organ machine perfusion and reconstructive surgery.

Continuous oxygenation monitoring of machine-perfused organs or transposed autologous tissue is not currently implemented in clinical practice. Oxygenation is a critical parameter that could be used to verify tissue viability and guide corrective interventions, such as perfusion machine parameters or surgical revision. This work presents an innovative technology based on oxygen-sensitive, phosphorescent metalloporphyrin allowing continuous and non-invasive oxygen monitoring of ex-vivo perfused vascularized fasciocutaneous flaps. The method comprises a small, low-energy optical transcutaneous oxygen sensor applied on the flap's skin paddle as well as oxygen sensing devices placed into the tubing. An intermittent perfusion setting was designed to study the response time and accuracy of this technology over a total of 54 perfusion cycles. We further evaluated correlation between the continuous oxygen measurements and gold-standard perfusion viability metrics such as vascular resistance, with good agreement suggesting potential to monitor graft viability at high frequency, opening the possibility to employ feedback control algorithms in the future. This proof-of-concept study opens a range of research and clinical applications in reconstructive surgery and transplantation at a time when perfusion machines undergo rapid clinical adoption with potential to improve outcomes across a variety of surgical procedures and dramatically increase access to transplant medicine.

VCA supercooling in a swine partial hindlimb model.

Vascularized composite allotransplantations are complex procedures with substantial functional impact on patients. Extended preservation of VCAs is of major importance in advancing this field. It would result in improved donor-recipient matching as well as the potential for ex vivo manipulation with gene and cell therapies. Moreover, it would make logistically feasible immune tolerance induction protocols through mixed chimerism. Supercooling techniques have shown promising results in multi-day liver preservation. It consists of reaching sub-zero temperatures while preventing ice formation within the graft by using various cryoprotective agents. By drastically decreasing the cell metabolism and need for oxygen and nutrients, supercooling allows extended preservation and recovery with lower ischemia-reperfusion injuries. This study is the first to demonstrate the supercooling of a large animal model of VCA. Porcine hindlimbs underwent 48 h of preservation at - 5 °C followed by recovery and normothermic machine perfusion assessment, with no issues in ice formation and favorable levels of injury markers. Our findings provide valuable preliminary results, suggesting a promising future for extended VCA preservation.

The Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) Complex In Facial Feminization Surgery.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing demand for facial feminization surgery, there is a growing need for reliable and reproducible techniques to enhance outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of single-stage Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) complex reshaping in facial feminization surgery. Effectiveness was gauged by CT scan assessments and an unvalidated patient satisfaction survey at 6 months post-operative. METHODS: The study included 155 transfeminine patients undergoing surgery of the upper third of the face. Outcomes were compared in patients receiving either Orbito-Frontal (OF) surgery or combined Naso-Orbito-Frontal (NOF) surgery. A comparative analysis of pre- and postoperative standardized CT scan sections was performed, focusing on multiple anatomic angles in two dimensions. A self-administered satisfaction questionnaire based on six FACE-Q items was completed at 6 months. RESULTS: Among the 155 patients, 65 underwent OF surgery, and 90 underwent NOF surgery. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 36 months, with an average of 18 months. Significant changes in craniometric measurements were observed: in the OF group, average changes in nasofrontal, frontal tilt, and metopion angles were +12.3±0.2°, -8.5±2.2°, and +20.0±0.1° respectively (p<0.001); in the NOF group, same metrics were +28.5±0.3°, -9.3±2.4°, and +23.9±0.1° (p<0.001). The NOF group demonstrated higher overall satisfaction (Median: 4/5) compared to the OF group (Median: 3/5). No early complications were reported. CONCLUSION: The NOF complex surgery is an effective approach in gender-affirming surgery of the upper third of the face, yielding predictable results and higher patient satisfaction.Level of Evidence 3.

Machine Perfusion Enables 24-h Preservation of Vascularized Composite Allografts in a Swine Model of Allotransplantation.

The current gold standard for preserving vascularized composite allografts (VCA) is 4°C static cold storage (SCS), albeit muscle vulnerability to ischemia can be described as early as after 2 h of SCS. Alternatively, machine perfusion (MP) is growing in the world of organ preservation. Herein, we investigated the outcomes of oxygenated acellular subnormothermic machine perfusion (SNMP) for 24-h VCA preservation before allotransplantation in a swine model. Six partial hindlimbs were procured on adult pigs and preserved ex vivo for 24 h with either SNMP (n = 3) or SCS (n = 3) before heterotopic allotransplantation. Recipient animals received immunosuppression and were followed up for 14 days. Clinical monitoring was carried out twice daily, and graft biopsies and blood samples were regularly collected. Two blinded pathologists assessed skin and muscle samples. Overall survival was higher in the SNMP group. Early euthanasia of 2 animals in the SCS group was linked to significant graft degeneration. Analyses of the grafts showed massive muscle degeneration in the SCS group and a normal aspect in the SNMP group 2 weeks after allotransplantation. Therefore, this 24-h SNMP protocol using a modified Steen solution generated better clinical and histological outcomes in allotransplantation when compared to time-matched SCS.

Nonsurgical Treatment of Postburn Hypopigmentation: A Literature Review.

The treatment of postburn hypopigmentation was primarily surgical before the advent of new technologies. Medical devices and therapies are emerging to manage scar sequelae that can be disfiguring and associated with severe psychosocial impact. These innovations have been poorly investigated for hypopigmentation, but they represent a real hope. We reviewed all articles published on Pubmed up to June 2022. Included studies had to specifically focus on treating postburn hypopigmented scars. All articles evaluating transient solutions such as make-up, and articles describing inflammation-linked hypopigmentation with no etiological details or no burn injury history were excluded. Through this review, we have highlighted 6 different types of nonsurgical treatments reported in postburn leukoderma potentially allowing definitive results. Electrophoto-biomodulation or E light (combining intensive pulsed light, radiofrequency, and cooling), topical daylight psoralen UVA therapy, and lasers (fractional lasers using pulse energies or CO2FL devices, lasers-assisted drug delivery as local bimatoprost and tretinoin or pimecrolimus) have been explored with encouraging results in hypopigmented burns. Finally, other promising medical strategies include using FK506, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, to induce melanogenesis or using melanocyte-stimulating hormones with fractional laser-assisted drug deliveries, which are expected to emerge soon.

Tissue engineering strategies for breast reconstruction: a literature review of current advances and future directions.

Background and Objective: Mastectomy is a primary treatment for breast cancer patients, and both autologous and implant-based reconstructive techniques have shown excellent results. In recent years, advancements in bioengineering have led to a proliferation of innovative approaches to breast reconstruction. This article comprehensively explores the promising perspectives offered by bioengineering and tissue engineering in the field of breast reconstruction. Methods: A literature review was conducted between April and June 2023 on PubMed and Google Scholar Databases. All English and French articles related to bioengineering applied to the field of breast reconstruction were included. We used the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association (EBVM) Toolkit 14 checklist for narrative reviews as a quality assurance measure and the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) tool to self-assess our methodology. Key Content and Findings: Over 130 references related to breast bioengineering were included. The analysis revealed four key applications: enhancing the quality of the skin envelope, improving the viability of fat grafting, creating breast shape and volume via bio-printing, and optimizing nipple reconstruction through engineering techniques. The primary identified approaches revolved around establishing structural support and enhancing cellular viability. Structural techniques predominantly involved the implementation of 3D printed, decellularized, or biocompatible material scaffolds. Meanwhile, promoting cellular content trophicity primarily focused on harnessing the regenerative potential of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and increasing the tissue's survivability and cell trophicity. Conclusions: Tissue and bioengineering hold immense promise in the field of breast reconstruction, offering a diverse array of approaches. By combining existing techniques with novel advancements, they have the potential to significantly enhance the therapeutic options available to plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

A Two-Step Approach for Breast Augmentation with Chest Wall Deformity?

Breast augmentation in the case of chest wall deformity can be challenging. It is essential to treat the two problematics separately, and not to attempt compensation for asymmetry with vastly different breast implants. With this work, we wish to highlight the approach based on the use of custom-made 3D implants, enabling optimal correction of thoracic deformity. A first case study illustrates a one-step approach to correcting deformity and augmenting the breast. The importance of separate management of these issues lies in the fact that possible normalization of thoracic dysmorphia alone can sometimes lead to withdrawal of the request for breast augmentation. We illustrate this with a second case report with optimal patient satisfaction after isolated correction of a pectus excavatum.Level of Evidence V 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Towards Optimizing Sub-Normothermic Machine Perfusion in Fasciocutaneous Flaps: A Large Animal Study.

Machine perfusion has developed rapidly since its first use in solid organ transplantation. Likewise, reconstructive surgery has kept pace, and ex vivo perfusion appears as a new trend in vascularized composite allotransplants preservation. In autologous reconstruction, fasciocutaneous flaps are now the gold standard due to their low morbidity (muscle sparing) and favorable functional and cosmetic results. However, failures still occasionally arise due to difficulties encountered with the vessels during free flap transfer. The development of machine perfusion procedures would make it possible to temporarily substitute or even avoid microsurgical anastomoses in certain complex cases. We performed oxygenated acellular sub-normothermic perfusions of fasciocutaneous flaps for 24 and 48 h in a porcine model and compared continuous and intermittent perfusion regimens. The monitored metrics included vascular resistance, edema, arteriovenous oxygen gas differentials, and metabolic parameters. A final histological assessment was performed. Porcine flaps which underwent successful oxygenated perfusion showed minimal or no signs of cell necrosis at the end of the perfusion. Intermittent perfusion allowed overall better results to be obtained at 24 h and extended perfusion duration. This work provides a strong foundation for further research and could lead to new and reliable reconstructive techniques.

The Autonomization Principle in Vascularized Flaps: An Alternative Strategy for Composite Tissue Scaffold In Vivo Revascularization.

Autonomization is a physiological process allowing a flap to develop neo-vascularization from the reconstructed wound bed. This phenomenon has been used since the early application of flap surgeries but still remains poorly understood. Reconstructive strategies have greatly evolved since, and fasciocutaneous flaps have progressively replaced muscle-based reconstructions, ensuring better functional outcomes with great reliability. However, plastic surgeons still encounter challenges in complex cases where conventional flap reconstruction reaches its limitations. Furthermore, emerging bioengineering applications, such as decellularized scaffolds allowing a complex extracellular matrix to be repopulated with autologous cells, also face the complexity of revascularization. The objective of this article is to gather evidence of autonomization phenomena. A systematic review of flap autonomization is then performed to document the minimum delay allowing this process. Finally, past and potential applications in bio- and tissue-engineering approaches are discussed, highlighting the potential for in vivo revascularization of acellular scaffolds.

KDM6B drives epigenetic reprogramming associated with lymphoid stromal cell early commitment and immune properties.

Mature lymphoid stromal cells (LSCs) are key organizers of immune responses within secondary lymphoid organs. Similarly, inflammation-driven tertiary lymphoid structures depend on immunofibroblasts producing lymphoid cytokines and chemokines. Recent studies have explored the origin and heterogeneity of LSC/immunofibroblasts, yet the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms involved in their commitment are still unknown. This study explored the transcriptomic and epigenetic reprogramming underlying LSC/immunofibroblast commitment. We identified the induction of lysine demethylase 6B (KDM6B) as the primary epigenetic driver of early immunofibroblast differentiation. In addition, we observed an enrichment for KDM6B gene signature in murine inflammatory fibroblasts and pathogenic stroma of patients with autoimmune diseases. Last, KDM6B was required for the acquisition of LSC/immunofibroblast functional properties, including the up-regulation of CCL2 and the resulting recruitment of monocytes. Overall, our results reveal epigenetic mechanisms that participate in the early commitment and immune properties of immunofibroblasts and support the use of epigenetic modifiers as fibroblast-targeting strategies in chronic inflammation.

Axillary Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Comparison between Two Perforator Flap Reconstructive Approaches after Radical Surgical Management.

Background: Axillary hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can result in significant functional impairment in both personal and professional lives. Stage 3 HS requires radical surgical treatment. Flap reconstruction allows for faster healing and better functional and aesthetic outcomes. We compared the results of thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) and propeller inner arm artery perforator (IAAP) flap reconstructions after radical surgical treatment of axillary HS. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study that included 13 consecutive patients who underwent stage 3 axillary HS treatment between August 2015 and January 2023. Seven patients underwent reconstruction by islanded TDAP flaps, whereas six patients underwent reconstruction by propeller IAAP flaps, with one patient undergoing bilateral reconstruction. The data collected from the patient records included age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, comorbidities, operative time, defect size, flap size, hospital stay, and complications. Results: Although not statistically significant (P = 0.1923), a higher rate of flap complications is reported here with propeller IAAP flaps (42.86 %), whereas islanded TDAP flaps had no flap complications (0%). We found a statistically significant difference in operative time (P = 0.0006), defect size (P = 0.0064), and flap size (P = 0.0012) between the two groups. All patients exhibited satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. Fourteen flaps were performed in total; only one case exhibited recurrence (7.14%). Conclusion: After radical surgical management, both islanded TDAP and propeller IAAP flap reconstructions offer excellent outcomes for stage 3 axillary HS. We strongly encourage our peers to consider performing perforator flaps over secondary healing for these patients with a major functional impairment.

A New Surgical Technique for Female-to-Male Top Surgery: The Posterioinferior Pedicle (PIPe) Approach.

INTRODUCTION: Most of the time, female-to-male (FtoM) chest surgery involves mastectomy techniques and free transplantation of the nipple-areola complex. With the increasing prevalence of gender dysphoria and the demand for female-to-male gender reassignment surgery, the need for FtM top surgery is also rising. To meet this demand, we present a new approach: the PIPe technique, based on a fasciocutaneous flap with a posteroinferior pedicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with FtoM gender dysphoria undergoing surgery using the posteroinferior pedicle flap technique in the Plastic Surgery Department at Rennes University Hospital Center were included. The procedure involved extensive liposuction of the lower internal and external mammary quadrants, followed by liposuction of deep tissues in the upper quadrants, except in the pedicle area. After removing skin from the lower quadrants down to the dermis and de-epithelializing the posteroinferior pedicle flap, the thoracic flap was lowered and the areola transposed. RESULTS: From July 2022 to March 2023, fifteen patients underwent surgery, and their results were collected prospectively. The average age was 25 years, the mean weight was 76.6 kg, and the average BMI was 28.1 kg/m2. The average operating time was 102 min, and the mean weight excised was 459.5 g. The average length of hospital stay was 3.3 days, and the drainage duration was 2.4 days. No major complications were reported, and there were no cases of reintervention or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Our study presents a novel surgical approach utilizing the posteroinferior pedicle technique. Its key benefit lies in the preservation of neurovascular function, which makes it an attractive option for patients seeking to retain nipple sensitivity. This procedure is reliable, reproducible, and recommended as a first-line treatment for grade II and III gynecomastia due to its low rate of major complications and favorable functional and aesthetic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: 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 www.springer.com/00266 .

Gluteal Propeller Perforator Flaps: A Paradigm Shift in Abdominoperineal Amputation Reconstruction.

Abdominoperineal amputation (AAP) is a gold standard procedure treating advanced abdominal and pelvic cancers. The defect resulting from this extensive surgery must be reconstructed to avoid complications, such as infection, dehiscence, delayed healing, or even death. Several approaches can be chosen depending on the patient. Muscle-based reconstructions are a reliable solution but are responsible for additional morbidity for these fragile patients. We present and discuss our experience in AAP reconstruction using gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps (G-PPF) in a case series. Between January 2017 and March 2021, 20 patients received G-PPF reconstruction in two centers. Either superior gluteal artery (SGAP)- or inferior artery (IGAP)-based perforator flaps were performed depending on the best configuration. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected. A total of 23 G-PPF were performed-12 SGAP and 11 IGAP flaps. Final defect coverage was achieved in 100% of cases. Eleven patients experienced at least one complication (55%), amongst whom six patients (30%) had delayed healing, and three patients (15%) had at least one flap complication. One patient underwent a new surgery at 4 months for a perineal abscess under the flap, and three patients died from disease recurrence. Gluteal-artery-based propeller perforator flaps are an effective and modern surgical procedure for AAP reconstruction. Their mechanic properties, in addition to their low morbidity, make them an optimal technique for this purpose; however, technical skills are needed, and closer surveillance with patient compliance is critical to ensure success. G-PPF should be widely used in specialized centers and considered a modern alternative to muscle-based reconstructions.

Superior pedicle reduction mammoplasty: A multivariable analysis of 1306 patients. Risk factors for complications and development of a predictive score.

INTRODUCTION: Breast reduction surgery for hypertrophy is one of the most commonly performed procedures in plastic surgery. This surgery exposes patients to complications well documented in the literature. The objective of this study is therefore to identify the risk factors in order to establish an estimate of the risk of developing complications. We propose the first predictive score of postoperative complications including continuous preoperative variables like Body Mass Index (BMI) and Supra Sternal Notch - Nipple Distance (SSN:N). RESULTS: 1306 patients were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression showed three independent risk factors : active smoking (OR 6.10 [4.23; 8.78] p < 0.0001), BMI (OR 1.16 [1.11; 1.22] p < 0.0001), SSN:N (OR 1.14 [1.08; 1.21] p < 0.0001). The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score estimating occurrence of postoperative complications was determined, integrating regression coefficient of each risk factor. CONCLUSION: Active smoking, BMI and SSN:N distance are independent preoperative risk factors for the occurrence of breast reduction complications. The Rennes Plastic Surgery Score including the continuous values of BMI and SSN:N allows us to provide to our patients a reliable estimate of the risk of occurrence of these complications. EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE LEVEL II: Lesser-quality prospective cohort or comparative study; retrospective cohort or comparative study; or untreated controls from a randomized controlled trial.

Abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery improves the quality of life after massive weight loss: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the impact of abdominoplasty and lower body lift surgery following massive weight loss on both the general quality of life and the sexual life of patients. METHODS: We performed a multicenter prospective study on the quality of life after massive weight loss using three scoring questionnaires: The Short Form 36 questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, and the Moorehead-Ardelt Quality of Life Questionnaire. Seventy-two patients who underwent lower body lift and 57 patients who underwent abdominoplasty in three centers with pre and post-operative evaluation were included. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.2 ± 13.2 years. All categories of the SF36 questionnaire were statistically significant at 6 months, and all categories except health change were significantly improved at 12 months post-operative. Overall, the Moorehead-Ardelt questionnaire showed a higher quality of life in general (1.78 ± 0.92 and 1.64 ± 1.03, at 6 and 12 months respectively) and in all domains (self-esteem, physical activity, social relationships, work performance, and sexual activity). Interestingly, global sexual activity improved at 6 months but not at 12 months. Some domains of sexual life improved at 6 months (desire, arousal, lubrication, satisfaction), but only the desire stayed improved at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Abdominoplasty and lower body lift improve the quality of life of patients after massive weight loss as well as the sexual quality of life. This should be an additional valid reason for promoting reconstructive surgery for massive weight loss patients.

The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Axial Flap to Study Ischemic Preconditioning Effects in a Rat Model.

Fasciocutaneous flaps (FCF) have become the gold standard for complex defect reconstruction in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This muscle-sparing technique allows transferring vascularized tissues to cover any large defect. FCF can be used as pedicled flaps or as free flaps; however, in the literature, failure rates for pedicled FCF and free FCF are above 5%, leaving room for improvement for these techniques and further knowledge expansion in this area. Ischemic preconditioning (I.P.) has been widely studied, but the mechanisms and the optimization of the I.P. regimen are yet to be determined. This phenomenon is indeed poorly explored in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Here, a surgical model is presented to study the I.P. regimen in a rat axial fasciocutaneous flap model, describing how to safely and reliably assess the effects of I.P. on flap survival. This article describes the complete surgical procedure, including suggestions to improve the reliability of this model. The objective is to provide researchers with a reproducible and reliable model to test various ischemic preconditioning regimens and assess their effects on flap survivability.

Supercooling: A Promising Technique for Prolonged Organ Preservation in Solid Organ Transplantation, and Early Perspectives in Vascularized Composite Allografts.

Ex-vivo preservation of transplanted organs is undergoing spectacular advances. Machine perfusion is now used in common practice for abdominal and thoracic organ transportation and preservation, and early results are in favor of substantially improved outcomes. It is based on decreasing ischemia-reperfusion phenomena by providing physiological or sub-physiological conditions until transplantation. Alternatively, supercooling techniques involving static preservation at negative temperatures while avoiding ice formation have shown encouraging results in solid organs. Here, the rationale is to decrease the organ's metabolism and need for oxygen and nutrients, allowing for extended preservation durations. The aim of this work is to review all advances of supercooling in transplantation, browsing the literature for each organ. A specific objective was also to study the initial evidence, the prospects, and potential applications of supercooling preservation in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation (VCA). This complex entity needs a substantial effort to improve long-term outcomes, marked by chronic rejection. Improving preservation techniques is critical to ensure the favorable evolution of VCAs, and supercooling techniques could greatly participate in these advances.

Outcomes and Reliability of Perforator Flaps in the Reconstruction of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Defects: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a common and debilitating disease, in which the only effective treatment involves a wide excision of the affected skin. Secondary wound healing and skin grafting are two well-known options for managing these defects, but perforator flaps provide a new therapeutic alternative by ensuring reconstructions of large defects, reducing donor site morbidity, and enhancing functional recovery. The aim of this study was to achieve a systematic review of perforator flaps use in HS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched from 1989 to 2021. The PRISMA statement was used in the study selection process and the review was registered on PROSPERO. Furthermore, patient characteristics, operative technique, complications, and recurrences were searched. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles were selected including 286 patients and 387 flaps. Axillary localization was mostly represented (83.2%). Direct donor site closure was achieved in 99.1% of cases. In total, 15.1% of the flaps presented at least one of the following complications: wound dehiscence (5.5%), partial necrosis (2.9%), hematoma or seroma (2.1%), infection (2.1%), venous congestion (1.8%), and nerve injury (0.3%). Two cases of total necrosis were recorded. Recurrence of the disease was observed in 2.7% of the defects. CONCLUSIONS: Pedicled perforator flaps are a reliable and reproducible technique in the reconstruction of HS defects. They are associated with a low recurrence rate while ensuring an effective reconstruction with reduced morbidity and faster recovery compared to the techniques classically used in this indication.