Breast Reconstruction Does Not Increase the Incidence of Postmastectomy Pain Syndrome: Results of a Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postmastectomy pain syndrome (PMPS) is characterized by neuropathic pain from direct nerve injury during oncologic breast surgery causing chronic pain, often leading to chronic opioid dependence and long-term disability. To our knowledge, this study represents the first meta-analysis that defines the incidence of PMPS in patients undergoing mastectomy, with and without breast reconstruction. METHODS: The Cochrane, Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were queried. A total of 166 citations from 1991 to 2017 were reviewed to identify 22 unique manuscripts. Inclusion criteria required: (i) minimum 3-month follow-up, (ii) pain in breast, (iii) pain after mastectomy, (iv) documentation of any reconstruction, and (v) minimum of level three evidence. Comprehensive Meta- Analysis Software and Microsoft Excel were used for statistical calculations. RESULTS: Sixteen manuscripts described the prevalence of postmastectomy pain and 11 described the prevalence of postreconstruction pain (5 had data for both). Study population size ranged from 32 to 1165 patients. All studies were classified as level 2 or level 3 evidence. The mean prevalence of pain after mastectomy alone using a random-effects model is 35.6% (30.3%-41.3%). Mean prevalence of pain after mastectomy with reconstruction using the random-effects model is 32.8% (24.4% - 42.5%). Analysis of variance analysis showed no significant difference between prevalence of chronic pain after mastectomy alone versus mastectomy and reconstruction (P = 0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis establishes that postmastectomy reconstruction does not increase the incidence of PMPS. However, because this neuropathic pain often persists after reconstructive surgery, it is incumbent on the plastic surgeon to counsel patients on PMPS. Moving forward, prospective studies on the effects of reconstruction type and adjunct procedures are warranted.

A Comparative Analysis of Resource Utilization Between Proximal Row Carpectomy and Partial Wrist Fusion: A Population Study.

PURPOSE: We conducted a population-level analysis comparing proximal row carpectomy (PRC) and partial wrist arthrodesis (PWA) for treatment of chronic wrist arthritis to (1) characterize national practice patterns, (2) determine the rate of conversion to total wrist arthrodesis (TWA), and (3) calculate the associated direct cost of care. METHODS: Using the Truven MarketScan databases from 2009 to 2015, we identified patients 18 years or older with a diagnosis of wrist osteoarthritis who had a PRC or PWA and were followed for 18 months. We used Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression to examine patient characteristics associated with conversion to a TWA. Rates of repeat PWA were also obtained, including the total number of procedures until completion and direct treatment cost. RESULTS: Of a total of 3,388 eligible patients, 1,305 had a PRC (39%) and 2,083 had a PWA (61%). In patients 54 years of age or younger, PWA was more commonly performed than PRC (49% vs 38%). The TWA rates were significantly higher for patients of all ages who underwent PWA (19.2%) versus PRC (4.9%). Those undergoing PWA required more total procedures than patients who received a PRC (average, 1.7 vs 1.1) resulting in a greater average direct cost per patient ($10,842 vs $7,171). CONCLUSIONS: Conversion rates to a TWA are significantly higher with a PWA (19.2%) than with a PRC (4.9%) and have a greater associated direct cost. This includes younger patients, who in the past were considered better candidates for PWA. Our findings suggest that surgeons may need to reevaluate their indications for PWA and that there may need to be a paradigm shift in the current practice patterns for salvage treatment of wrist arthrosis, more often considering PRC for all age groups. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Trends in the Management of Pediatric Trigger Thumb in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Recent literature suggests that initial observation of pediatric trigger thumb without early surgical interventions can lead to spontaneous resolution. We sought to analyze current trends in the management of pediatric trigger thumb and compare real-world data with what the literature supports. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of data collected using the PearlDiver database between 2015 and 2018. Patients who were aged younger than 10 years with a diagnosis of trigger thumb were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes. Current Procedural Terminology codes were used to identify patients who had an operation for trigger thumb. Patient demographics, comorbidities, utilization of hand therapy, and treatment cost were also collected. RESULT: Of the 997 patients included in the study, 69% were diagnosed with trigger thumb between the age of 2 and 5 years. In all, 492 patients (49%) had surgery for trigger thumb: 65% of patients had surgery within 1 year of diagnosis, and 76% patients had surgery before the age of 5 years. This treatment pattern was similar across multiple regions of the United States, and there were no significant predictors for surgery. The average cost of treating patients without surgery was $593/patient, whereas that for patients with surgery was $1363/patient. CONCLUSIONS: Nationwide data show that pediatric trigger thumb may be managed surgically at higher frequencies and in patients at younger ages than supported by the existing literature. Possible overtreatment is not only detrimental to patients but also burdens the health care system with unnecessary cost.

Early Recurrent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Patients with Mucopolysaccharidoses.

Early-onset carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known manifestation of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) due to excessive deposition of glycosaminoglycans in soft tissues. Standard treatment has been carpal tunnel release surgery, with the conventional technique of dividing the transverse carpal ligament. With advancement of treatments for MPS, these patients now have a longer life expectancy and are presenting with recurrent CTS. Management of recurrent CTS in these patients is not well studied. Here, we report 2 cases of recurrent CTS in MPS patients after a carpal tunnel release operation. We describe the findings on repeat operations and propose a unique technique for treating CTS in MPS patients to minimize recurrence during the initial CTS surgery. Our method involves resection of a portion of the transverse carpal ligament and use of a hypothenar fat pad flap over the median nerve.

Severe Craniofacial Morbidity from a Bean Bag Projectile.

Bean bag munitions, less-lethal weapons primarily used by law enforcement, can cause severe morbidity. Although bean bag munitions are less likely to cause severe injury when compared with regular gunshot rounds, it is crucial to understand that bean bag munitions may be life-threatening. In this case, we describe our experience with a patient who suffered a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture, facial nerve injury, and retained munition round in his maxillary sinus from a bean bag projectile shot during an altercation with the police. The patient was urgently transferred to the operating room for extraction of the bean bag munition, and although fracture repair was successful, the patient sustained significant damage to facial nerves, leading to lagophthalmos. To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a penetrating injury from a bean bag munition that was retained within a facial structure. We will discuss the surgical intervention used for this patient and the review of the current literature on these less-lethal munitions.

Opioid Use following Open versus Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: A Population Study.

Open (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) are both effective treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, with similar outcomes and complication rates. Given the opioid epidemic, it is important to consider how surgical modality impacts narcotic use. We compared narcotic use after OCTR and ECTR to identify trends and risk factors for prolonged postoperative use. METHODS: We utilized the PearlDiver database to identify patients who underwent OCTR and ECTR between 2008 and 2015. Patients with opioid use were analyzed for trends. Early refills, prolonged postoperative opioid use, and new persistent opioid use were defined by time periods relating to the date of surgery. Age, gender, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and surgery type (open versus endoscopic) were analyzed as predictors for opioid use. RESULTS: A total of 29,583 patients were included: 4125 (14%) ECTR and 25,458 (86%) OCTR. Significantly more OCTR patients filled perioperative prescriptions (62% versus 60%), and the OCTR group filled higher quantities of perioperative opioids (411 OME versus 379 OME). Patients in the OCTR group were also significantly more likely to obtain early refills and to have prolonged postoperative use. There was no difference in the rate of new persistent use. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with ECTR, patients who underwent OCTR filled higher quantities of opioids in the perioperative period, were more likely to obtain early refills, and were more likely to have prolonged postoperative use. These findings suggest either a lower opioid requirement after ECTR or a lower perceived requirement reflected in the difference in prescribing habits between techniques.

Content Evaluation of Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program Websites Regarding Sub-internships.

Sub-internships are an integral part of the residency application process for competitive specialties, including plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS). This study evaluates the quality of online information regarding sub-internships offered by PRS programs. METHODS: All the US integrated PRS residency programs were identified on Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database. Each program's website was assessed for the presence of 4 criteria: mention of a sub-internship offered, contact information of rotation coordinator, learning objectives, and a web page dedicated solely to the sub-internship. Each residency program was assigned a website sub-internship (WSI) score from 0 to 4 accordingly. RESULTS: We identified 81 residency programs. Fifty-two residency program received a score of 0, and 6 programs received a score of 4. The mean WSI score was 1.0 for community-based programs, compared with 0.98 for university-based programs (P = 0.93). There was a correlation between WSI score and number of faculty (r = 0.52; P < 0.0000) and number of residents per year (r = 0.34; P = 0.002). In logistic regression model, number of faculty [odds ratio (OR), 1.18; P = 0.003], large program size (OR, 12.1; P = 0.009), and southeast location (OR, 30.3; P = 0.034) were found to be important predictors for PRS programs to mention at least one criterion. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of the programs did not have any online information available on their websites regarding plastic surgery sub-internships. There is no difference between academic and community-based programs with regard to the quality of information. Programs with more trainees and faculty have higher odds of providing information about sub-internships offered at their institution.

Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia for Minor Hand Surgery Associated With Lower Opioid Prescriptions, Morbidity, and Costs: A Nationwide Database Study.

Purpose: We sought to investigate the perioperative opioid prescription patterns, complication rates, and costs associated with wide-awake local anesthesia (WALA) techniques using a nationwide insurance claims-based database. Methods: We used the PearlDiver Humana administrative claims database to identify opioid-naive adult patients who underwent a carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, or de Quervain release between 2007 and 2015. Patients were divided into WALA and standard anesthesia groups by the presence or absence of anesthesia Current Procedural Terminology codes. We evaluated for differences in perioperative opioid prescribing patterns, rates of opioid refills, and insurance reimbursement. The incidence of surgical complications and medical complications within 30 days of surgery were determined by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated with multivariable logistic regression models to identify factors associated with filling or refilling opioid prescriptions and complication rates. Results: There were 6,285 patients in the WALA group and 28,657 in the standard anesthesia group. The WALA patients were prescribed significantly lower quantities of opioids than were standard anesthesia patients across all 3 procedures. After controlling for type of surgery, gender, and comorbidities in a multivariate model, WALA patients were less likely to fill an initial opioid prescription during the perioperative period but were equally likely to obtain a refill. The WALA patients had lower odds of developing both surgical and medical complications compared with standard anesthesia patients. Moreover, WALA was associated with significantly lower costs for all procedures. Conclusions: Wide-awake local anesthesia technique is an increasingly common and viable option for minor hand surgery. It is a cost-effective and safe technique for simple hand surgical procedures and can be a strategy to minimize postoperative opioid use. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic II.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of the Stiff Finger.

"Stiff finger," defined as a finger with decreased range of motion in one or more joints, is commonly found after hand injury and is classified into flexion or extension deformities. Pathogenesis is due to dysfunction in one or more of the following anatomic components: (1) osseous and articular; (2) capsuloligamentous; (3) musculotendinous units; (4) soft tissue and fascia. Evaluation and treatment are based on accurate identification and correction of pathologic structures. The mainstay of treatment is directed hand therapy with exercises and splinting to mobilize stiff joints. Operative interventions are offered after gains from therapy have been exhausted.

Use of Acellular Dermal Matrix to Prevent Recurrence of Radioulnar Heterotopic Ossification.

Radioulnar heterotopic ossification is a rare occurrence found in approximately 2% of all forearm injuries. Treatment is complicated by relatively high recurrence rates. Strategies to decrease recurrence have included the range of motion exercises and the interposition of inert or autogenous barriers. We report on the interposition of human acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for the treatment of distal radioulnar synostosis. We report a novel technique for the treatment of distal radioulnar heterotopic ossification. After resection, ADM in a cigar-shaped construct is interposed between the radius and ulna. Patients are followed clinically and radiographically. Two female patients were treated. Both patients had significant improvement in the range of motion in supination and pronation of the affected wrist postoperatively with an average follow-up of 36 months. There were no postoperative complications. Neither patient had recurrent disease. We describe the successful treatment of 2 patients with distal radioulnar heterotopic ossification with the use of human ADM. The ADM provides a barrier between the radius and ulna to prevent the recurrent formation of heterotopic ossification. ADM usage results in no donor site morbidity and is theoretically more resistant to infection when compared with nonbiologic barriers such as silicone and Integra. This technique is a simple, safe, and effective way to treat and prevent the recurrence of radioulnar heterotopic ossification.

Advances in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthroplasty: Biomechanics and Biomaterials.

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthritis is a debilitating condition. The complexity of the joint makes management particularly challenging. Treatment of PIP arthritis requires an understanding of the biomechanics of the joint. PIP joint arthroplasty is one treatment option that has evolved over time. Advances in biomaterials have improved and expanded arthroplasty design. This article reviews biomechanics and arthroplasty design of the PIP joint.

Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb joint are associated with early complications after subsequent surgery.

Truven MarketScan® Databases were used to identify patients with thumb carpometacarpal arthritis who underwent surgical treatment. Pre-operative corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections were identified, as were post-operative complications. Multivariable regressions assessed the relationship between injections and complications. Of 16,268 patients, 4462 had steroid injections and 252 received hyaluronic acid injections. Twenty-one per cent (3381 patients) had post-operative complications. Diabetes and smoking increased the odds of complications in all models. Odds of any complication, most notably infectious complications, were increased 20% by corticosteroids (OR 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.3). More than three injections increased the odds of a complication by 70% (OR 1.7; 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.1). Hyaluronic acid increased the odds of wound-healing complications by 110% (OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3 to 3.4). Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections for thumb carpometacarpal arthritis increase the odds of post-operative complications. Level of evidence: IV.

Hypertrophy and heart failure in mice overexpressing the cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger.

BACKGROUND: The cardiac sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX1) is a key sarcolemmal protein for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis in the heart. Because heart failure is associated with increased expression of NCX1, heterozygous (HET) and homozygous (HOM) transgenic mice overexpressing NCX1 were developed and evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: The NCX1 transgenic mice display 2.3-fold (HET) and 3.1-fold (HOM) increases in exchanger activity from wild-type (WT) mice. Functional information was obtained by echocardiography and catheterizations before and after hemodynamic stress from pregnancy, treadmill exercise or transaortic constriction (TAC). HET and HOM mice exhibited hypertrophy and blunted responses with beta-adrenergic stimulation. Postpartum mice from all groups were hypertrophied, but only the HOM mice exhibited premature death from heart failure. HOM mice became exercise intolerant after 6 weeks of daily treadmill running. After 21 days TAC, HET, and HOM mice exhibited significant contractile dysfunction and 15% to 40% mortality with clinical evidence of heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Hemodynamic stress results in a compensated hypertrophy in WT mice, but NCX1 transgenic mice exhibit decreased contractile function and heart failure in proportion to their level of NCX1 expression. Thus exchanger overexpression in mice leads to abnormal calcium handling and a decompensatory transition to heart failure with stress.

Implant-based immediate breast reconstruction in the previously augmented patient.

BACKGROUND: Millions of women have undergone augmentation mammaplasty with implants and breast cancer continuing to be the most common non-cutaneous malignancy in female patients. Reconstructive surgeons will inevitably encounter breast cancer patients with prior augmentation. Implant-based techniques represent the most common form of breast reconstruction overall and remains a common option among those who were previously augmented. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of implant-based reconstruction in previously augmented women. METHODS: A retrospective review from September 2004 to December 2009 was performed. 38 women (63 breasts) with a history of prior augmentation (PA) who underwent implant-based reconstruction were identified and compared to a non-prior augmented (NPA) control group (77 patients; 138 breasts). Normative data, augmentation details, reconstruction method, complication rates, and revision rates were evaluated. RESULTS: The total complication rate was significantly different between the two groups with 18 complications (28.6%) occurring in 9 PA breasts and 20 complications (14.5%) in 19 NPA breasts (p-value 0.037). When analyzed by specific complication subtypes, capsular contracture was the only complication that bordered significance between the two cohorts (p-value 0.057). Complication rates were otherwise similar regardless of augmentation or reconstruction type. CONCLUSION: Implant-based reconstruction is a safe option for previously augmented patients that is able to provide outcomes similar to non-augmented patients. Results are not affected by the location of previous implants or the implant-based reconstruction method. There may be a higher incidence of capsular contracture in the previously augmented patient that warrants further investigation and preoperative discussion.

The effect of prior abdominal surgery on abdominally based free flaps in breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The abdomen has long remained the preferred donor site in breast reconstruction. Over time, the flap has evolved to limit morbidity with reduced muscular harvest. Previous abdominal operations, however, may limit the ability to perform a muscle- or fascia-sparing flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes in women who had prior abdominal operations and underwent abdominally based autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: All patients who underwent abdominally based breast free flap reconstruction between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed. A study group of patients with previous open abdominal surgery were compared to patients with no prior abdominal surgery. Patient demographics, operative details, and flap and donor-site complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 539 patients underwent abdominally based breast free flap reconstruction. The study group consisted of 268 patients (341 flaps) and the control group consisted of 271 patients (351 flaps). Prior abdominal surgery led to greater muscular harvest, as 19.9 percent in the study group versus 12.0 percent required muscle-sparing 1-type harvest (p < 0.01). Both groups presented similar overall complications, with the exception of lower partial flap loss and increased wound healing complications in the study group (p < 0.05). Abdominal wall laxity became less frequent with increasing number of prior abdominal operations. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominally based flaps for breast reconstruction, including muscle-sparing 3 (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flaps, can be performed safely in patients with prior abdominal surgery. These patients should be informed, however, of an increased chance of muscular harvest and wound healing complications. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Evaluation of plastic surgery training programs: integrated/combined versus independent.

BACKGROUND: The authors aimed to differentiate between combined/integrated and independent (traditional) methods of plastic surgery training with regard to quality of trainees, caliber of graduates, and practice or career outcomes once graduated. METHODS: To compare combined/integrated with independent residency program training, the authors conducted a Web-based survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons members looking at their experience and practice outcomes (n = 1056) and interviews of plastic surgery faculty looking at the quality of trainees (n = 72). The member survey evaluated background information, research credentials, pathway satisfaction, postgraduation activities, current practice, and academic affiliation. Faculty teacher interviews focused on knowledge base, diagnostic and treatment judgment, technical abilities, research capabilities, and prediction of future career success. RESULTS: The member survey showed no difference (p > 0.05) between combined/integrated and independent trainees in practice type (cosmetic/reconstructive), practice volume, or academic achievements. Combined/integrated trained surgeons are three times more likely to recommend their training pathway and two times more likely to enter fellowship after residency. Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society membership correlated with a greater likelihood of having an academic practice at 5 and 10 years or more and higher professorship titles. Faculty evaluations showed that combined/integrated residents were superior in knowledge (49 percent versus 32 percent) but that independent residents were superior in technical ability (51 percent versus 20 percent) and research (57 percent versus 19 percent). Most faculty were unable to choose a pathway producing superior residents. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding future practice outcomes, there was not a superior training pathway. Regarding quality of trainees, there were differences in faculty evaluations, but there was no consensus on a better pathway.

Hybrid coaxial electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with limited immunological response created for tissue engineering.

Electrospinning using synthetic and natural polymers is a promising technique for the fabrication of scaffolds for tissue engineering. Numerous synthetic polymers are available to maximize durability and mechanical properties (polyurethane) versus degradability and cell adhesion (polycaprolactone). In this study, we explored the feasibility of creating scaffolds made of bicomponent nanofibers from both polymers using a coaxial electrospinning system. We used a core of poly(urethane) and a sheath of a mixture of poly(ε-caprolactone) and gelatin, all dissolved in 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluror-2-propanol. These nanofibrous scaffolds were then evaluated to confirm their core-sheath nature and characterize their morphology and mechanical properties under static and dynamic conditions. Furthermore, the antigenicity of the scaffolds was studied to confirm that there is no significant foreign body response to the scaffold itself that would preclude its use in vivo. The results show the advantages of combining both natural and synethic polymers to create a coaxial scaffold capable of withstanding dynamic culture conditions and encourage cellular migration to the interior of the scaffold for tissue-engineering applications. Also, the results show that there is no significant immunoreactivity in vivo to the components of the scaffolds.

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators improve survival after coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe left ventricular (LV) dysfunction have a poor long term survival despite complete surgical revascularization. Recent data suggests that the use of Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) improves survival in patients with severe LV dysfunction. We compared the survival impact of ICD implantation in patients with severe LV dysfunction who underwent CABG. METHODS: Between January 1996 and August 2004, 305 patients with LV ejection fraction (EF) < or = 25% had CABG surgery at our institution. Demographics of patients who had received an ICD (ICD+) in the post -operative period was compared to those without ICD (ICD-). Survival was evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Of the entire group, 35 (11.5%) patients received an ICD with a median of 2 (+/-2) years after CABG. Indication for ICD implantation was clinical evidence of non sustained ventricular tachycardia (NSVT). There were no differences between the 2 groups with respect to age, gender, NYHA classification, number of bypasses, or other co-morbidities. Survival at 1, 3 and 5 years was 88%, 79%, and 67% for the ICD- group compared to 94%, 89% and 83% for the ICD+ group, respectively (figure, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Implantation of ICD after CABG confers improved short and long term survival benefit to patients with severe LV dysfunction. Prophylactic ICD implantation in the setting of severe LV dysfunction and CABG surgery should be considered.

Efficacy and safety of right and left atrial ablations on the beating heart with irrigated bipolar radiofrequency energy: a long-term animal study.

OBJECTIVE: The Cox maze procedure is the most effective surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation; however, its complexity has limited its clinical utility. The purpose of this study was to simplify the procedure by using an irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation device on the beating heart without cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Six domestic pigs underwent median sternotomy. The pulmonary veins were circumferentially ablated. Electrical isolation was confirmed by pacing. Eight lesions were performed epicardially, and three lesions were performed through purse-string sutures with one of the jaws of the device introduced into the right atrium. After 30 days, magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess atrial function, pulmonary vein anatomy, and coronary artery patency. Cholinergic stimulation and burst pacing were administered to induce atrial fibrillation. Histologic assessment of the heart was performed after the animal was killed. RESULTS: A modified Cox maze procedure was successfully performed with the irrigated bipolar radiofrequency device with no deaths. In every instance, the pulmonary veins were electrically isolated. Cholinergic stimulation with burst pacing failed to produce atrial fibrillation. Imaging studies revealed tricuspid regurgitation without evidence of pulmonary vein stenosis, coronary artery stenosis, or intra-atrial thrombus. Total atrial ejection fraction was 16.9% +/- 7.5%, a significant reduction. Histologically, 99% of the lesions were transmural, and there was no evidence of coronary sinus injury. CONCLUSION: Lesions on both the right and left atria can be created successfully on the beating heart with irrigated bipolar radiofrequency. The great majority of lesions with this device were transmural. This device should not be used on valvular tissue.