TIMolol Nasal Spray as a Treatment for Epistaxis in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (TIM-HHT)-A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled, Cross-Over Trial.

To date, there is no approved local therapeutic agent for the treatment of epistaxis due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). Several case reports suggest the topical use of timolol. This monocentric, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, cross-over study investigated whether the effectiveness of the standard treatment with a pulsed diode laser can be increased by also using timolol nasal spray. The primary outcome was severity of epistaxis after three months, while the main secondary outcome was severity of epistaxis and subjective satisfaction after one month. Twenty patients were allocated and treated, of which 18 patients completed both 3-month treatment sequences. Timolol was well tolerated by all patients. Epistaxis Severity Score after three months, the primary outcome measure, showed a beneficial, but statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.084), effect of additional timolol application. Epistaxis Severity Score (p = 0.010) and patients' satisfaction with their nosebleeds after one month (p = 0.050) showed statistically significant benefits. This placebo-controlled, randomized trial provides some evidence that timolol nasal spray positively impacts epistaxis severity and subjective satisfaction in HHT patients when additively applied to standard laser therapy after one month. However, the effect of timolol was observed to diminish over time. Trials with larger sample sizes are warranted to confirm these findings.

HHT-Related Epistaxis and Pregnancy-A Retrospective Survey and Recommendations for Management from an Otorhinolaryngology Perspective.

Appropriate management of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is of particular importance in females, as HHT-mediated modifications of the vascular bed and circulation are known to increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery. This study was undertaken to evaluate female HHT patients' awareness of and experience with HHT during pregnancy and delivery, with a focus on epistaxis. In this retrospective study, 46 females (median age: 60 years) with confirmed HHT completed a 17-item questionnaire assessing knowledge of HHT and its pregnancy-associated complications, the severity of epistaxis during past pregnancies and deliveries, and the desire for better education and counselling regarding HHT and pregnancy. Results revealed that 85% of participants were unaware of their disease status prior to the completion of all pregnancies. Further, 91% reported no knowledge of increased pregnancy-related risk due to HHT. In regard to epistaxis, 61% of respondents reported experiencing nosebleeds during pregnancy. Finally, approximately a third of respondents suggested that receiving counseling on the risks of HHT in pregnancy could have been helpful. Findings suggest that awareness of HHT and its potential for increasing pregnancy-related risk is poor. Best practices in HHT management should be followed to minimize negative effects of the disorder.

Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Success of the Osler Calendar for Documentation of Treatment and Course of Disease.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT; Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome) affects the capillary and larger vessels, leading to arteriovenous shunts. Epistaxis is the main symptom impairing quality of life. The aim of the Osler Calendar is to offer information about the extent of the systemic disease and the current state of treatment. A care plan with information on the rare disease and self-treatment of epistaxis was created. Organ examinations and ongoing treatments were recorded. A questionnaire documents the treatment success, including patient satisfaction, frequency of hemorrhage and hemoglobin levels. The patients using the Osler Calendar for at least one year (n = 54) were surveyed. Eighty-five percent of patients (n = 46) used the calendar to gain information about HHT. Seventy-two percent (n = 39) used the Osler Calendar for instructions on the self-treatment of nosebleeds. The calendar increased patients' understanding for the need for organ screenings from 48% (n = 26) to 81% (n = 44). Seventy-nine percent (n = 43) of patients confirmed that the Osler Calendar documented their therapeutic process either well or very well. Fifty-two percent (n = 28) saw an improvement in the therapeutic process due to the documentation. The Osler Calendar records the individual intensity of the disease and facilitates the communication between attending physicians. It is a tool for specialists to review treatment strategies. Furthermore, the calendar enhances patients' comprehension of their condition.

[Postoperative treatment following paranasal sinus surgery]. / Postoperative Versorgung bei Nasennebenhöhleneingriffen.

Postoperative care is a crucial aspect for the success of paranasal sinus interventions. Basic procedures include saline nasal wash, which should be started on the first postoperative day, topical steroids, and antibiotics in cases of infection. Medical treatment involves aspiration of secretion in the inferior meatus during the first week. Removal of scabs in the surgical field should be carried out under endoscopic control beginning at the second week. Intervals are scheduled individually. Occlusion of the nose for the time of epithelium regeneration provides a moist space in the ethmoid, which improves wound healing.

QEVO® - A new digital endoscopic microinspection tool - A cadaveric study and first clinical experiences (case series).

BACKGROUND: The use of endoscopes in neurosurgery is well established, but the integration of a full high definition signaling, 45° angled endoscopic tool into a digital surgical microscope, is new. We report our first experiences in a cadaveric study and a clinical case series using the new microinspection tool QEVO® that serves as a plug-in feature for the recently launched KINEVO 900 digital visualization platform (CARL ZEISS MEDITEC, Oberkochen, Germany). For illustration purposes, we offer video footage. METHODS: The handling, workflow, and visualization patterns of the QEVO® microinspection tool were critically evaluated in cadaver specimens by simulating four standardized neurosurgical approaches: (1) pterional, (2) retrosigmoidal, (3) transsphenoidal, (4) and transcallosal. Similarly, we evaluated the QEVO® tool in corresponding clinical cases of (1) aneurysm clipping, (2) removal of cerebellar cavernoma, (3) and pituitary adenomectomy. RESULTS: In both the cadaveric study and clinical case series, the QEVO® tool was found to be beneficial in terms of high-quality visualization of fine structures and for displaying hidden anatomical details ("looking around the corner"). The handling was good, and the workflow was easy. However, the use of this tool was restricted by the lack of an external fixation and a working channel, the shortness of the tool, and the impossibility to switch to a 0° or 30° optic. CONCLUSION: Despite some restrictions, the QEVO® microinspection tool is an innovative, handheld, endoscopic tool that allows excellent additional visualization of the surgical field. In our opinion, this tool effectively enhances the modern neurosurgical armamentarium.

Influence of temporary nasal occlusion (tNO) on epistaxis frequency in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

The objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of temporary nasal occlusion (tNO) with hypoallergenic tape on the frequency and severity of epistaxis in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). This prospective observational study included 20 HHT patients who were undergoing Nd:YAG laser therapy at regular intervals. Over a 3-month period, laser therapy was supplemented by tNO with hypoallergenic tape for 5 h/day on average. On a 0-10 numeric rating scale, the patients reported significantly greater satisfaction in epistaxis terms after tNO treatment, with mean scores of 5 before and 7 after 3-month tNO (p = 0.05). The Epistaxis Severity Score also fell significantly from a median of 3.59-2.43 after 3-month tNO compared with laser therapy alone (p = 0.01). The patients' hemoglobin levels remained stable during the study (median: 12.2 g/dL before tNO; median: 11.7 g/dL after tNO; p = 0.387). Overall, the present study confirms the positive influence of tNO on epistaxis in HHT patients and on subjective satisfaction. This simple and inexpensive strategy is therefore a helpful option, especially in addition to regular Nd:YAG laser therapy, and is recommended by the authors.

Update on Clinical Strategies in Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia from an ENT Point of View.

OBJECTIVES: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is characterized by the presence of vascular malformations with an absence of capillaries between arteries and veins. One major manifestation site is the nasal mucous membrane where recurrent nosebleeds occur. Our clinical strategy to treat patients with HHT has the aim to reduce nasal bleeding long-term with minimal local and general side effects. METHODS: We describe staged diagnosis and therapy including individual medical treatments of 97 patients with HHT. The success of treatment is monitored with a systematic questionnaire. RESULTS: The neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser therapy remains standard treatment of choice with no major side effects despite the need for repeated treatment. In addition new treatment strategies like nasal occlusion, local drug therapy, and nasal septal splinting show initial success. CONCLUSION: Improvement of the quality of life of HHT patients can be achieved by a multimodal concept. Several new treatment strategies like nasal septal splinting and nasal occlusion successfully expand the range of established methods. Further studies have to prove the safety and long-term effectiveness of the described individual medical treatments.

Nasal septum configuration as a basis for novel septal splints.

The objective is to use anatomical determinations of nasal septum shape and surface area in adults as a design basis for silastic septal splints of universal size and fit and offering maximum possible surface coverage. The objective is also to devise a method of securing the septal splints, so that surface pressure on septal mucosa is distributed as evenly as possible while not interfering with capillary perfusion. Nasal septum area was determined in 21 Caucasian body donors, and nasal septum thickness was measured in 20 CT scans. Septal splints of universal size and shape were prepared from silastic sheeting. The holding force of various neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, and the surface pressure exerted by magnet-containing septal splints was calculated. These septal splints of novel design offer a satisfactory fit in routine clinical practice. The splints can be securely attached with built-in NdFeB magnets, and surface pressure can be distributed evenly across the nasal septum while not interfering with mucosal tissue perfusion. With their simple intranasal insertion, these magnet-containing septal splints of universal size and optimised shape offer maximum possible septum coverage following septoplasty/septorhinoplasty. The absence of interference with septal tissue perfusion means that they are likely to be associated with fewer postoperative complications and better outcomes.

Frontobasal Fractures.

Frontobasal fractures occur in up to 24% of head injuries and often require a multidisciplinary approach. Besides the common bone fractures, the complex anatomy can cause damage to the sense of vision and smell. Further possibly lethal complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leak followed by meningitis or internal carotid bleeding can follow. Diagnostic and treatment options are reviewed with a focus on the endoscopic endonasal approach.

Trauma of the midface.

Fractures of the midface pose a serious medical problem as for their complexity, frequency and their socio-economic impact. Interdisciplinary approaches and up-to-date diagnostic and surgical techniques provide favorable results in the majority of cases though. Traffic accidents are the leading cause and male adults in their thirties are affected most often. Treatment algorithms for nasal bone fractures, maxillary and zygomatic fractures are widely agreed upon whereas trauma to the frontal sinus and the orbital apex are matter of current debate. Advances in endoscopic surgery and limitations of evidence based gain of knowledge are matters that are focused on in the corresponding chapter. As for the fractures of the frontal sinus a strong tendency towards minimized approaches can be seen. Obliteration and cranialization seem to decrease in numbers. Some critical remarks in terms of high dose methylprednisolone therapy for traumatic optic nerve injury seem to be appropriate. Intraoperative cone beam radiographs and preshaped titanium mesh implants for orbital reconstruction are new techniques and essential aspects in midface traumatology. Fractures of the anterior skull base with cerebrospinal fluid leaks show very promising results in endonasal endoscopic repair.

Triple test as predictive screen for unilateral weakness on caloric testing in routine practice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate in vertigo patients in routine practice to what extent a rapid and straightforward triple bedside test (spontaneous nystagmus, head-shaking nystagmus, and the head impulse test) can predict a normal result on caloric testing. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, single-blind, diagnostic study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: 151 patients (78 male and 73 female subjects; mean age, 52.5 +/- 16.4 yr) presenting with acute or recent symptoms of vertigo. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The negative predictive value (NPV) of the triple test in relation to a normal caloric test response. RESULTS: In unilateral weakness (UW) on caloric testing (UW, >=25%), the triple test had sensitivity of 63.6%, specificity of 85.4%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 71.4%, and an NPV of 80.4%. In other words, 80.4% of patients with a negative triple test also had a normal response on caloric testing. In pronounced canal paresis (UW, >=50%), the triple test had sensitivity of 81.8%, specificity of 81.4%, a PPV of 55.1%, and an NPV of 94.1%. Significant differences were found between 2 subgroups assessed by examiners with differing levels of experience (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The triple test represents a good screening tool that quickly and reliably excludes unilateral weakness and in particular pronounced canal paresis on caloric testing.

Propofol versus sevoflurane: bleeding in endoscopic sinus surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Reduction of intraoperative bleeding is desirable to improve intraoperative visibility and to avoid complications. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING: Inclusion criteria were chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps that involved all paranasal sinuses, Lund-CT score > or =12, and double-blind preoperative randomization of narcotics. Exclusion criteria included abnormal coagulation, perioperative blood pressure outside the range of 70 to 140 mmHg systolic and 50 to 90 mmHg diastolic and perioperative medication. Total blood loss (mL), blood loss per minute (mL/min), platelet function, and parameter for endoscopic vision were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-six patients (22 sedated with sevoflurane/fentanyl, 24 sedated with propofol/fentanyl) completed the study. Total blood loss (300.1 +/- 168.5 mL/276.9 +/- 201.3 mL), blood loss per minute, and endoscopic vision showed no group difference. Platelet function was significantly impaired 45 minutes after onset of surgery in both groups, but more pronounced after propofol anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Under conditions of balanced circulatory parameter, equal blood loss and endoscopic vision can be achieved with both tested anesthetic regimens. During extended operations demonstrated thrombocyte impairment by propofol may become clinically relevant.

Spherulocytosis of the maxillary sinus: a case report.

Spherulocytosis (myospherulosis) is an unusual foreign-body reaction usually occurring in tissues exposed to petrolatum-based products. Due to its occasional localization in the maxillary sinus, it is of interest to rhinologists and maxillofacial surgeons. The pathogenesis of spherulocytosis has remained a matter of controversy. We present the case of a 40-year-old female with no previous contact to petrolatum-based substances and suffering from spherulocytosis of the maxillary sinus. The review of literature with emphasis on etiopathogenesis and factors that predispose to the development of spherulocytosis, other than exposure to petrolatum-based ointment, are discussed.

Clinical strategy in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a recurrent bleeding tendency caused by vascular malformations and preferentially involving the mucous membrane of the nose. The rhinological management of epistaxis is a challenge in which the frequency of bleeding has to be reduced without damage to the nasal mucosa, despite the fact that therapy necessarily has to be repeated. METHODS: The clinical course in 30 patients with HHT was monitored prospectively. Nasal mucosal efflorescences underwent Nd:YAG laser therapy at individually defined intervals, and the effect on the frequency and duration of bleeding was documented, as were adverse effects. RESULTS: No serious adverse effects (e.g., septal defects or synechiae) were observed as a consequence of therapy. During the course of laser therapy and ongoing compliance with nasal mucosal care instructions, the frequency of bleeding fell from "several times daily" to "every 2 weeks." CONCLUSION: In conjunction with Nd:YAG laser therapy, ongoing and consistent care of the nasal mucosa is a proven and effective treatment regimen in HHT. As an integral element in an interdisciplinary strategy for diagnosis and therapy, this regimen yields satisfactory quality of life while avoiding local complications.

Morphological changes of the posterior airway space after tongue base suspension.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The objectives were 1) to demonstrate the efficacy of tongue base suspension with the Repose System in modifying the posterior airway space on the basis of morphological changes in the retrolingual space and 2) to determine the implications of this procedure for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome on polysomnographic and psychometric data. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized study. METHODS: Polysomnography was performed before as well as 3 and 12 months after surgery in patients undergoing tongue base suspension using the Repose System. To identify morphological changes in the posterior airway space, lateral cephalometric radiography and videoendoscopy of the pharynx were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Twenty-eight male patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome were included in the study. A suspension suture anchored intraorally at the mandible was passed submucosally in the body of the tongue, with suture tightness adjusted individually. RESULTS: The posterior airway space was widened by at least 2 mm in 60% of cases. Daytime sleepiness improved subjectively in 67% of patients, and the respiratory disturbance index improved postoperatively in 55%. The correlation between posterior airway space widening and the improvements in daytime sleepiness and respiratory disturbance index was not significant. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome with the Repose System does not result in permanent anatomical change in the posterior airway space.

Soft palate implants: a new option for treating habitual snoring.

One hundred six patients with proven habitual snoring were each treated with three implants consisting of a cylindrical-shaped segment of braided polyester filaments (18 mm in length with an outer diameter of 1.5 mm) in the soft palate. The implants, pre-loaded in a single-use delivery tool, were inserted into the soft palate under local anesthesia. Along with the initial examination, follow-up exams were done after the treatment to test the safety and efficacy of the procedure. Snoring post treatment was reported as "no snoring" or "slight/occasional" in the majority of the cases after treatment. The results indicate there were no serious adverse events reported. The most frequent minor adverse events were partial extrusions in which the patient often presented a minor foreign body sensation along with mild transient pain. This data has demonstrated the procedure as a minimally invasive, relatively painless, simple procedure that has been shown to be safe and effective.

Experimental animal studies of clip-induced microvascular trauma.

This study was designed to evaluate microvascular clip potential for causing changes in vessel-wall tissue and the extent to which this potential is influenced by features of the clip. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used to examine vessel-wall changes after temporary clip occlusion. Vessel patency is shown to be influenced by anastomosis and clip site, changes in occlusion force due to material fatigue are described, and novel clip features to reduce vessel trauma are proposed. Evaluation of mechanical clip properties showed that material fatigue does not lead to relevant loss of precision in alpha-type clips. While the modified clip designed to reduce trauma cannot abolish trauma altogether, it significantly reduces the associated changes and hence the risk of thrombosis. Arteries were more sensitive than veins to clip-induced trauma, with increased occlusion force producing more severe damage than increased clipping time. Maximal changes were seen in the tunica media. These results indicate the paramount importance of applying modest clip pressure commensurate with the requirements of microvascular Surgery.