The Use of Functional Biomaterials in Aesthetic and Functional Restoration in Orbital Surgery.

The integration of functional biomaterials in oculoplastic and orbital surgery is a pivotal area where material science and clinical practice converge. This review, encompassing primary research from 2015 to 2023, delves into the use of biomaterials in two key areas: the reconstruction of orbital floor fractures and the development of implants and prostheses for anophthalmic sockets post-eye removal. The discussion begins with an analysis of orbital floor injuries, including their pathophysiology and treatment modalities. It is noted that titanium mesh remains the gold standard for orbital floor repair due to its effectiveness. The review then examines the array of materials used for orbital implants and prostheses, highlighting the dependence on surgeon preference and experience, as there are currently no definitive guidelines. While recent innovations in biomaterials show promise, the review underscores the need for more clinical data before these new materials can be widely adopted in clinical settings. The review advocates for an interdisciplinary approach in orbital surgery, emphasizing patient-centered care and the potential of biomaterials to significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation (NSOI): Unraveling the Molecular Pathogenesis, Diagnostic Modalities, and Therapeutic Interventions.

Nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI), colloquially known as orbital pseudotumor, sometimes presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in ophthalmology. This review aims to dissect NSOI through a molecular lens, offering a comprehensive overview of its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and management strategies. The article delves into the underpinnings of NSOI, examining immunological and environmental factors alongside intricate molecular mechanisms involving signaling pathways, cytokines, and mediators. Special emphasis is placed on emerging molecular discoveries and approaches, highlighting the significance of understanding molecular mechanisms in NSOI for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Various diagnostic modalities are scrutinized for their utility and limitations. Therapeutic interventions encompass medical treatments with corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents, all discussed in light of current molecular understanding. More importantly, this review offers a novel molecular perspective on NSOI, dissecting its pathogenesis and management with an emphasis on the latest molecular discoveries. It introduces an integrated approach combining advanced molecular diagnostics with current clinical assessments and explores emerging targeted therapies. By synthesizing these facets, the review aims to inform clinicians and researchers alike, paving the way for molecularly informed, precision-based strategies for managing NSOI.

Evaluating ChatGPT on Orbital and Oculofacial Disorders: Accuracy and Readability Insights.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy and readability of responses generated by the artificial intelligence model, ChatGPT (version 4.0), to questions related to 10 essential domains of orbital and oculofacial disease. METHODS: A set of 100 questions related to the diagnosis, treatment, and interpretation of orbital and oculofacial diseases was posed to ChatGPT 4.0. Responses were evaluated by a panel of 7 experts based on appropriateness and accuracy, with performance scores measured on a 7-item Likert scale. Inter-rater reliability was determined via the intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The artificial intelligence model demonstrated accurate and consistent performance across all 10 domains of orbital and oculofacial disease, with an average appropriateness score of 5.3/6.0 ("mostly appropriate" to "completely appropriate"). Domains of cavernous sinus fistula, retrobulbar hemorrhage, and blepharospasm had the highest domain scores (average scores of 5.5 to 5.6), while the proptosis domain had the lowest (average score of 5.0/6.0). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.64 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.74), reflecting moderate inter-rater reliability. The responses exhibited a high reading-level complexity, representing the comprehension levels of a college or graduate education. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the potential of ChatGPT 4.0 to provide accurate information in the field of ophthalmology, specifically orbital and oculofacial disease. However, challenges remain in ensuring accurate and comprehensive responses across all disease domains. Future improvements should focus on refining the model's correctness and eventually expanding the scope to visual data interpretation. Our results highlight the vast potential for artificial intelligence in educational and clinical ophthalmology contexts.

Orbital Schwannoma With Frontal Bone Lysis.

Orbital schwannoma is an exceptionally rare cause of ptosis. Diagnosis may be elusive given its slow rate of growth and its various presentations depending on localization. Herein, we report the case of a 50-year-old male who presented to our clinic with a complaint of unilateral, recurrent ptosis of the left eye. He underwent levator palpebrae resection, which was unsuccessful at improving his ptosis. He later represented with acute-onset diplopia for which magnetic resonance imaging was obtained. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a lesion in the superior orbit with secondary bony dehiscence of the orbital roof. Through a vertical lid-split incision, the lesion was removed, and the frontal lobe was observed protruding through the defect in the orbital roof. This case highlights the importance of diagnostic skepticism in the face of recurrent ptosis and emphasizes the utility of the vertical lid-split approach for anterior lesions of the superior orbit.

Implantation of a Coronary Stent Into the Canaliculus of a Human Cadaver: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possibility of implanting a drug-eluting coronary stent into the canaliculus of a human cadaver. METHODS: The punctum and canaliculus of an embalmed human cadaver were identified and dilated using a punctum dilator and Bowman probes. At this stage, the integrity of the lacrimal drainage system was assessed by dacryoendoscopy. A drug-eluting coronary stent, which was collapsed around a balloon at the tip of a catheter, was inserted into the canaliculus. The balloon was inflated to expand and lock the spring-like stent into position. The balloon catheter was then deflated and removed from the canaliculus. Dacryoendoscopy was used once again to assess the position of each stent after implantation. RESULTS: The four canaliculi of one human cadaver were successfully identified, dilated, and intubated using drug-eluting coronary stents. Dacryoendoscopy confirmed that each stent achieved a satisfactory position within the canaliculi. The seamless integration of the stent with the surrounding tissues resulted in a significant dilation of the canaliculi. The procedure was deemed short and simple, with the time required to implant a stent into the canaliculus and asses its position being less than a minute. CONCLUSIONS: Canalicular obstructions can often be a source of therapeutic challenges. Our pilot study shows that a drug-eluting coronary stent can be implanted with precision into the canaliculus of a human cadaver. We propose that at least some canalicular obstructions could be treated using a novel rigid mesh tube similar to drug-eluting coronary stents.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic for oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery.

Purpose: To review the current literature on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) virology and transmission; to present a decision tree for risk stratifying oculofacial plastic and orbital surgeries; and to generate personal protective equipment (PPE) recommendations by risk category.Methods: A comprehensive literature review on COVID-19 was conducted. A two-stage modified Delphi technique involving 18 oculofacial plastic and orbital surgeons across Canada was used to determine consensus risk-stratification criteria and PPE recommendations for surgeries performed in the North American context.Results: COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We summarize COVID-19 virology and transmission, as well as practice considerations for oculofacial plastic and orbital surgeons. Although SARS-CoV-2 is known to be transmitted predominantly by droplet mechanisms, some studies suggest that transmission is possible through aerosols. Among common procedures performed by oculofacial and plastic surgeons, some are likely to be considered aerosol-generating. Risk of transmission increases when manipulating structures known to harbor high viral loads. We present an algorithm for risk-stratification based on the nature of surgery and the anatomical sites involved and offer recommendations for PPE.Conclusions: Although universal droplet precautions are now recommended in most healthcare settings, some clinical situations require more stringent infection control measures. By highlighting high-risk scenarios specific to oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery, as well as PPE recommendations, we hope to enhance the safety of continued care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seven-Year Follow-Up of a Patient With a Retained Needlefish Jaw Fragment Abutting Against His Left Internal Carotid Artery.

ABSTRACT: A 51-year-old man presented to the ophthalmology service with binocular diplopia and facial numbness. The patient was returning from a trip to Mexico. He reported having been hit in the left periocular region by a fish while swimming. Local doctors repaired a laceration in the left lateral canthus shortly after the incident. Orbital imaging revealed 2 needle-like foreign bodies corresponding to retained pieces of a needlefish jaw in the left orbit. Given the location of the foreign bodies, observation with repeat imaging was deemed more appropriate than surgical exploration. Subsequent imaging studies showed no migration of the foreign body, and the patient did not suffer from any related complications more than 7 years after the initial injury.

Gaining Access to the Superior Ophthalmic Vein for Endovascular Embolization of Indirect Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas.

ABSTRACT: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal connections between the carotid arterial system and the cavernous sinus. These acquired vascular malformations may result in severe orbital congestion and sight-threatening complications. The authors present their experience in gaining access to the superior ophthalmic vein to embolize indirect CCFs in three different patients. Surgical exposure and cannulation of the SOV were successful in all 3 cases. One patient developed an orbital compartment syndrome towards the end of the embolization process, after the irrigation cannula was inadvertently dislodged from the SOV. He required a lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis but did not suffer from any related sequelae. Signs and symptoms resolved gradually in all patients and cosmetic results were excellent. In our experience, the SOV offers a reliable access to indirect CCFs, but patients should be monitored closely during the embolization process to prevent ophthalmic complications.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia as a Cause of Reversible Vision Loss.

ABSTRACT: Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) is a benign vascular lesion that is formally diagnosed on histopathology. IPEH seldom presents in periocular tissues and is even less commonly seen deep within the orbit. As with cavernous hemangioma, this lesion tends to distort surrounding structures and can cause a significant mass effect in the orbit. The authors present an unusual case of orbital IPEH that resulted in severe proptosis and progressive vision loss from optic nerve compression. In toto surgical excision of the lesion resulted in significant recovery of vision loss and resolution of symptoms associated with proptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this case is the first to illustrate the potential for visual recovery after surgery in a patient with compressive optic neuropathy from orbital IPEH.

Surgical Sparing and Pairing Endovascular Interventions for Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: Case Series and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are abnormal communications between the arterial and venous circulation within the cavernous sinus, manifesting in myriad neurological and ophthalmological sequalae. In rare circumstances patients' unique vascular anatomies preclude standard endovascular treatment for this pathology, warranting combined surgical and endovascular approaches wherein the cavernous sinus is accessed via superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) exposure, cutdown, and cannulation. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe 3 cases of CCF treated at our quaternary neurovascular referral center between 2017 and 2019. The first is a 35-year-old man with symptomatic, traumatic, right-sided CCF, treated with endovascular therapy (transarterial detachable balloon placement). The other cases were treated with contrasting surgical and endovascular combined approaches because of unique vascular challenges. The second is a 71-year-old woman with spontaneous right-sided CCF whose carotid sinus was accessed and embolized through a transpalpebral cutdown of the SOV. The third case is a 70-year-old man with symptomatic, spontaneous bilateral CCF. After unsuccessful transarterial and transvenous endovascular approaches, transorbital (intracranial) SOV cutdown and cannulation were performed to embolize the shunting fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular approaches are well described as the mainstay of treatment for CCF but are not possible for all patients. In circumstances where individual vascular anatomy is not amenable to transarterial or transvenous access or embolization, a combined surgical and endovascular approach may be appropriate. We describe 3 cases that illustrate the spectrum of interventions for CCF, as well as the technical aspects of treatment for 2 patients with complex, direct CCF, using an embolization approach reliant on SOV cutdown and cannulation.

Efficacy of different cerclage suture materials in reducing preterm birth.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of monofilament suture, braided polyester thread, and 5 mm tape suture in reducing preterm birth (PTB).Study design: Women who received a cerclage at Touro Infirmary, New Orleans, LA, USA, between 1 January, 2011 and 31 December, 2016 were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. All charts were reviewed for demographic and obstetrical variables including gestational age (GA) at delivery.Results: Of 145 women who received a cerclage, 36 were excluded due to incomplete charts leaving 109 for analysis. There was no significant difference in gestational age at cerclage placement or delivery among women with monofilament, braided, or 5 mm tape cerclages (p = .936 and p = .919, respectively) nor was there a difference in the proportion who delivered at ≥32, 34, or 37 weeks across groups with differing cerclage material (p = .270, p = .275, and p = .419, respectively). There was no difference in GA at delivery for patients who received 17-OHP compared to those who did not (p = .362). There were also no differences with respect to birth outcomes such as birthweight (p = .938), Apgar scores (p = .477, p = .430) or neonatal intensive care admission rates (NICU) (p = .304). Analysis revealed no difference in characteristics between groups including history of PTB or indication for removal (p = .371, p = .317).Conclusion: We found no difference in pregnancy prolongation when comparing different suture material used for indicated cerclages. We also found no differences with respect to rates of maternal infection or adverse neonatal outcomes among groups.RationaleThis study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of different suture materials in increasing gestational age at delivery and reducing preterm birth.

Randomized crossover trial comparing effectiveness and tolerability of generic and brand-name travoprost.

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal is to determine if the intraocular pressure reducing effect of generic Sandoz travoprost is equivalent to that of brand-name Travatan Z. The secondary goal is to determine if generic Sandoz travoprost is as well tolerated as Travatan Z. METHODS: This prospective randomized crossover trial allocated 76 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, normotensive glaucoma, or ocular hypertension in a 1:1 ratio to start with either generic Sandoz travoprost or Travatan Z. Crossover happened after 3 weeks. The primary endpoint, intraocular pressure, was measured in both eyes at baseline, at week 3, and at week 6. The secondary endpoint was tolerability of both drugs as assessed by a questionnaire administered at week 3 and week 6. RESULTS: The intraocular pressure lowering effect of generic Sandoz travoprost was equivalent to that of Travatan Z (18.20 ± 3.41 mmHg and 18.44 ± 3.48 mmHg respectively, p < 0.0001). Tolerability, as measured with a questionnaire, was similar between the two formulations of travoprost. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to compare a brand-name travoprost with one of its generic forms and adds to the body of evidence that generic glaucoma eye drops are as effective and well-tolerated as their brand name counterparts. The intraocular pressure lowering effect of generic Sandoz travoprost is equivalent to that of Travatan Z. Patient tolerance of generic and brand-name travoprost is similar.

Opacification of the C-flex 570C intraocular lens after sulcus fixation.

PURPOSE: To report a case of diffuse intraocular lens (IOL) opacification in a patient who started complaining of blurred vision in his left eye over the course of three years after having phacoemulsification surgery combined with capsular bag fixation of a C-flex 570C IOL. The IOL had been repositioned in the ciliary sulcus following its subluxation. METHOD: An IOL exchange was performed, and the explanted IOL was sent for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Scanning electron microscopy identified multiple crystalline-like deposits on both sides of the IOL. The optic was more extensively involved than the haptics. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the predominance of calcium within the deposits. CONCLUSIONS: The breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier seems to be a key component of this calcification process. Ciliary sulcus fixation is not a suitable option for C-flex 570C IOLs.

How mechanical deformations contribute to the effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy.

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has significantly improved healing rates and patient comfort since its inception. However, a considerable number of questions have been raised regarding its mechanisms of action. Many health care workers and researchers have attempted to clarify the role of NPWT in wound healing. The purpose of this perspective article is to assemble some of the concepts that have been put forward in order to propose an integrated view of the mechanisms involved in NPWT. Particular emphasis will be placed on mechanically induced tissue deformations and their involvement in some of the key processes of wound healing, including nutrient and oxygen transport, blood vessel formation, and cellular proliferation and differentiation, mainly of myofibroblasts.

Adult multipotent stromal cell technology for bone regeneration: a review.

Since the discovery of bone marrow derived stromal cell osteogenesis in the 1960s, tissue engineering with adult multipotent stromal cells (MSCs) has evolved as a promising approach to restore structure and function of bone compromised by injury or disease. To date, accelerated bone formation with MSCs has been demonstrated with a variety of tissue engineering strategies. Though MSC bone tissue engineering has advanced over the last few decades, limitations to clinical translation remain. A current review of this promising field is presented with a specific focus on equine investigations.