The effect of head position on the distribution of topical nasal medication using the Mucosal Atomization Device: a cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: The Mucosal Atomization Device (MAD) distributes medication throughout the paranasal sinuses for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Determining the optimal head position is important to ensure maximal delivery of medication to the sinus cavities. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of the lying-head-back (LHB) and head-down and forward (HDF) position, on the distribution of topical nasal medication via MAD in cadaver specimens. METHODS: Twenty specimens having received complete functional endoscopic sinus dissection were chosen. The MAD was used to administer 2 mL of fluorescein-impregnated saline solution through the nose in both the LHB and HDF positions. Fluorescein was identified on 11 predetermined anatomical areas using a blue light filter. Three blinded investigators assessed endoscopic images to determine the presence of fluorescein. RESULTS: A total of 440 anatomical locations (n = 20 cadavers) received administration of the fluorescein nasal spray in the LHB or HDF position. LHB position had significantly greater total distribution to all pertinent anatomical sites than the HDF position (76% vs 41%; p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26-0.44). The proportion of staining was significantly greater for the ethmoid (p = 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.66), frontal (p < 0.01; 95% CI, 0.20-0.80), and sphenoid sinuses (p = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.07-0.73) when compared to the HDF position. CONCLUSION: A greater distribution of medication to the sinonasal cavities was observed in the LHB position compared to the HDF position. These areas are of particular clinical relevance in postsurgical patients with refractory CRS.

Modified subtotal lothrop procedure for extended frontal sinus and anterior skull base access: a cadaveric feasibility study with clinical correlates.

Objective The endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure (EMLP) is an established approach for recalcitrant frontal sinus disease and anterior skull base exposure. However, in select cases, this technique may involve unnecessary resection of sinonasal structures. In this study, we propose a modification of the EMLP, termed the modified subtotal-Lothrop procedure (MSLP), to access the anterior skull base and complex frontal sinus disease for which access to the bilateral frontal sinus posterior table is required. Methods A cadaveric dissection with photo documentation was performed at an academic medical center on four cadaver heads using standard endoscopic techniques to demonstrate the MSLP and its feasibility. Results The endoscopic MSLP allowed ample access for instrumentation in each of the dissections using a 30- or 70-degree endoscope. Adequate bilateral access to the posterior table of the frontal sinus was gained in all cases without the need for dissection of the contralateral frontal sinus recess (FSR). Conclusion The MSLP appears to be a feasible technique for exposure of the anterior skull base and accessing complex frontal sinus pathology. This modification provides similar anterior skull base exposure and surgical maneuverability as the EMLP while limiting surgical dissection to one FSR, thereby preserving as much of the natural mucociliary drainage pathways as possible.

Coblation assisted endoscopic juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma resection.

To provide additional support for the use of coblation in the surgical treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) tumors. Coblation radiofrequency has been recently described in endoscopic sinus surgery for polyp and tumor resection from the sinuses to the skull base. This is a case series from our institution in which we safely and successfully treated three adolescent boys with JNA using the coblation assisted technique. The first case was the smallest of the cases (Radkowski stage IB) and was embolized pre-operatively. The second and third cases, both larger in size (Radkowski stage IIC and IIB) did not undergo pre-operative embolization. The total surgical times were 105, 160, and 150 min and the estimated blood losses were 150, 400, and 130 mL, respectively. This yielded a blood loss per minute rate of only 1.4, 2.5, and 0.9 mL/min for the respective cases. None of the three patients required post-operative blood transfusion, nasal packing, or hospitalization of greater than one day. Follow-up showed no complications and no recurrence in these patients. Coblation assisted transnasal endoscopic resection of JNA is a feasible technique that can dissect through and debulk JNA tumor, despite its extreme vascularity. The surgery can be performed with minimal morbidity and low intraoperative blood loss, even with non-embolized tumors up to Radkowski IIC. These finding further support complete resection of JNA tumors using minimally invasive coblation assisted techniques.

Endoscopic management of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma.

OBJECTIVE: Sinonasal hemangiopericytomas (SNHPCs) are rare perivascular tumors with low-grade malignant potential. Traditionally, these tumors have been treated with open approaches such as lateral rhinotomy, Caldwell-Luc, or transfacial approaches. Increased experience with endoscopic management of benign and malignant sinonasal tumors has led to a shift in management of SNHPC. The authors present their experience in the largest series of patients with SNHPC managed endoscopically. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Case series at a tertiary care medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing endoscopic management of SNHPC at the University of Miami between 1999 and 2008 was conducted. All endoscopic resections were performed with curative intent. RESULTS: Twelve patients with the diagnosis of SNHPC were treated endoscopically. Mean age was 62.5 years (range, 51-83 years). There were 6 men and 6 women. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 15-91 months). Seven (58.3%) presented with nasal obstruction, whereas 4 (41.6%) had epistaxis as their initial presenting symptom. Preoperative angiography or embolization was not performed in any case. Mean estimated blood loss was 630 mL (range, 100-1500 mL). Six patients underwent endonasal endoscopic anterior skull base resection; 4 had complete endoscopic resection all with negative margins. None underwent postoperative adjuvant treatment. No recurrence or metastatic disease was observed in this patient population. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management of SNHPC is a feasible approach and did not compromise outcomes in this experience. In this series, familiarity with advance endoscopic sinus surgery was necessary to manage these patients. Postoperative adjuvant therapy was not necessary in this cohort.

Complications in children who electively remain intubated after adenotonsillectomy for severe obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the indications for and the postoperative course of children who are electively left intubated postoperatively vs. those who are not after urgent adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). METHODS: A retrospective study of children with severe OSA diagnosed by polysomnogram (PSG) who were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) after urgent adenotonsellectomy between January 2002 and June 2006. Those who were electively left intubated after surgery were compared to those who were extubated. RESULTS: n=70. Fifty-three were extubated postoperatively. Seventeen remained intubated. All were admitted to the PICU postoperatively. Method of tonsillectomy and PSG indices were not significantly different between the two groups. Children who remained intubated had a higher complication rate (47%) than those who did not (2%). Children who remained intubated were younger and had a higher ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologist) physician status classification and had a longer PICU and hospital stay. Children under three who were extubated did not require reintubation. CONCLUSIONS: Children who electively remain intubated after urgent adenotonsellectomy for severe OSA have a higher complication rate and require a longer hospital stay than those who are extubated. None of the extubated children required reintubation. We recommend a trial of extubation in these patients.

The Lake Michigan eutrophication model, LM3-Eutro: model development and calibration.

A eutrophication model developed to generate primary-production estimates in Lake Michigan can simulate 17 state variables, including three plankton classes and several nutrients. The model, known as the Lake Michigan Eutrophication model (LM3-Eutro), has a high-resolution computational grid that enables good spatial description of spring temperature and phytoplankton concentrations, which have significant gradients in the lakes. The grid also allows the model to predict concentrations in nearshore areas and other regions of interest. The model provided more accurate estimates of algal light limitation based on three-hour intervals compared to daily averages that are used in most eutrophication models, especially during sunny summer days when algal photo-inhibition often occurs. Model output was compared to field data using statistical parameters such as squares of the correlation coefficients to determine the best model fit. The calibrated model output fit the field data reasonably well for nutrients and phytoplankton, which provided confidence in the framework, governing equations, and coefficients used.

Botulinum toxin a can positively impact first impression.

BACKGROUND First impression is influenced by facial appearance and improved by cosmetic surgery. OBJECTIVE We wanted to determine if treatment with botulinum toxin A (BTxnA) would improve first impression. MATERIALS AND METHODS Women received BTxnA in the forehead. Photos were taken prior to, and 1 week after, final BTxnA injection in smiling and relaxed poses. Photos were divided into books with each subject represented only once. Evaluators completed a survey rating first impression on various measures of success for each photo. RESULTS No differences were seen for social skills, financial, or relationship success scales. A significant decrease in first impression scores between treatment photos was seen for academic performance and occupational success. However, analysis of between-subject effects found that "smile/relax" accounted for the decreased score in both scales. Significant increases in first impression scores were seen for dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success scales where smile/relax and BTxnA contributed significantly to the improved scores. CONCLUSIONS BTxnA improved first impression scores for dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success scales. Academic performance and occupational success scores were not affected by BTxnA when the smile/relax variable was included. The smile/relax variable was a more important predictor for academic performance and occupational success scores.