Ultrasound visualization of augmentation rhinoplasty using diced cartilage framework: A pictorial study.

BACKGROUND: Diced cartilage (DC) plays an integral role in rhinoplasty, and its application is well established in nasal dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty as a diced cartilage framework (DCF). METHODS: Fifteen patients requiring nasal dorsal augmentation were included. Two different types of DCF were applied: DC wrapped in fascia lata or Lyomesh® and DC embedded in platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). Postoperative ultrasound follow-ups were performed at intervals of one month, three months, and one year after surgery using a high-frequency linear ultrasound transducer. The aim was to depict the viability of the DCF in vivo. RESULTS: DCF was successfully depicted using ultrasound imaging in all 15 patients. Ultrasound rendered DC as hypoechoic and inhomogeneous areas. Perifocal hypoechoic edema was detected, which significantly decreased by the one-year follow-up. During the one-year postoperative period, very little DC had decreased in diameter and the framework was fully intact, with no signs of migration. On high-frequency ultrasound, DC wrapped in fascia lata or Lyomesh® appeared as a hypoechoic and inhomogeneous area clearly limited by a thin hyperechoic envelope material, whereas DC embedded in PRF presented as a hypoechogenic area that spread laterally along the bone and nasal cartilage on both sides. Using color Doppler imaging, neovascularization of the DCF was identified in 7 of 15 patients at the postoperative examination. CONCLUSION: High-resolution ultrasound is an accurate, non-invasive imaging method appropriate for visualizing DCF in augmentation rhinoplasty. Additionally, it is possible to detect nascent neovascularization within grafts by using color Doppler imaging.

Superior Medial-Based Breast Reduction with Inverted T Incision: A Precise Description of Our Refined Preoperative Marking and Operative Technique.

The purpose of this paper was to compile a thoroughly elaborated step-by-step guide for the preoperative marking and operative technique for superior medial pedicle inverted T breast reduction based on our long experience and technical refinements. 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 .

Silicone implant surface microtopography modulates inflammation and tissue repair in capsular fibrosis.

Excessive fibrous capsule formation around silicone mammary implants (SMI) involves immune reactions to silicone. Capsular fibrosis, a common SMI complication linked to host responses, worsens with specific implant topographies. Our study with 10 patients investigated intra- and inter-individually, reduced surface roughness effects on disease progression, wound responses, chronic inflammation, and capsular composition. The results illuminate the significant impact of surface roughness on acute inflammatory responses, fibrinogen accumulation, and the subsequent fibrotic cascade. The reduction of surface roughness to an average roughness of 4 µm emerges as a promising approach for mitigating detrimental immune reactions, promoting healthy wound healing, and curbing excessive fibrosis. The identified proteins adhering to rougher surfaces shed light on potential mediators of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes, further emphasizing the need for meticulous consideration of surface design. The composition of the implant capsule and the discovery of intracapsular HSP60 expression highlight the intricate web of stress responses and immune activation that can impact long-term tissue outcomes.

Surface Topography, Microbial Adhesion, and Immune Responses in Silicone Mammary Implant-Associated Capsular Fibrosis.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women globally, often necessitating mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction. Silicone mammary implants (SMIs) play a pivotal role in breast reconstruction, yet their interaction with the host immune system and microbiome remains poorly understood. This study investigates the impact of SMI surface topography on host antimicrobial responses, wound proteome dynamics, and microbial colonization. Biological samples were collected from ten human patients undergoing breast reconstruction with SMIs. Mass spectrometry profiles were analyzed for acute and chronic wound proteomes, revealing a nuanced interplay between topography and antimicrobial response proteins. 16S rRNA sequencing assessed microbiome dynamics, unveiling topography-specific variations in microbial composition. Surface topography alterations influenced wound proteome composition. Microbiome analysis revealed heightened diversity around rougher SMIs, emphasizing topography-dependent microbial invasion. In vitro experiments confirmed staphylococcal adhesion, growth, and biofilm formation on SMI surfaces, with increased texture correlating positively with bacterial colonization. This comprehensive investigation highlights the intricate interplay between SMI topography, wound proteome dynamics, and microbial transmission. The findings contribute to understanding host-microbe interactions on SMI surfaces, essential for optimizing clinical applications and minimizing complications in breast reconstruction.

The use of semi-compliant versus non-compliant balloon systems for predilatation during the implantation of self-expandable transcatheter aortic valves: Data from the VIenna CardioThOracic Aortic Valve RegistrY (VICTORY).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the differences in outcome arising from the use of semi-compliant (SCB) versus non-compliant balloon (NCB) systems for predilatation during self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). METHODS: 251 TAVR procedures with the implantation of self-expanding valves after predilatation were analyzed. SCB systems were used in 166 and NCB systems in 85 patients. The primary endpoint was defined as device success, a composite endpoint comprising the absence of procedural mortality, correct valve positioning, adequate valve performance and the absence of more than a mild paravalvular leak. The secondary endpoints were chosen in accordance with the valve academic research consortium (VARC-2) endpoint definitions. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed with regard to procedural device success between the SCB- and NCB cohort (SCB: 142 [85.5%%] vs. NCB: 77 [90.6%]; P = .257). There was a notable difference between the rates of conversion to open surgery and the postdilatation rate, both of which were higher for the NCB group (SCB: 1 [0.6%] vs. NCB: 4 [5.1%]; P = .042; SCB: 30 [18.1%] vs. NCB: 34 [40%]; P < .001). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the use of semi-compliant balloon systems for predilatation was associated with a lower risk for postdilatation (OR: 0.296; 95% CI: 0.149-0.588) and conversion to open surgery (OR: 0.205; 95% CI: 0.085-0.493; P = .001) but not for device success. CONCLUSION: While the balloon compliance did not affect the procedural mortality, device success or the rate of paravalvular leakage, the use of semi-compliant balloons for predilatation during TAVR should be investigated in larger randomized trials in the light of the lower rates of postdilatation and conversion to open surgery compared to their non-compliant counterparts.