The association between number of intercostal nerves transferred and elbow flexion: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This pooled analysis evaluates the association between the number of nerves transferred and postoperative outcomes after intercostal nerve (ICN) nerve transfer for elbow flexion. METHODS: A systematic and pooled analysis of studies reporting individual patient demographics and outcomes after ICN-musculocutaneous nerve (MCN) transfer for traumatic brachial plexus injury was conducted. The primary outcome was the ability to attain an elbow flexion Medical Research Council (MRC) score of ≥4 at the final postoperative follow-up visit. RESULTS: Ten studies were included for a total of 128 patients. There were 43 patients who underwent two ICNT, 77 patients who underwent three ICNT, and 8 patients who underwent four ICNT. The three groups did not differ in ability to achieve MRC ≥ 4 (2ICNT 48.8%, 3ICNT 42.9%, 4ICNT 50.0%, p = 0.789). The number of ICNs transferred was not associated with MRC scores ≥4 on the multivariable analysis (OR: 0.55, p = 0.126). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that two ICN transfers may be as effective as three ICN and four ICN transfers and highlight the potential for nonsurgical factors to influence postoperative outcomes. Taken together, this pooled analysis leads us to question the utility of transferring >2 ICNs for MCN neurotization.

Cadaveric Costal Cartilage Grafts in Rhinoplasty and Septorhinoplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes and Complications.

ABSTRACT: Irradiated cadaveric costal cartilage (CC) has been utilized as an alternative to autologous cartilage (AC) in functional and aesthetic nasal surgery. The impact of graft choice between AC and CC on functional outcomes in rhinoplasty has yet to be studied. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify comparative studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of CC in nasal surgery. Functional and aesthetic outcomes and complications were reviewed and compared between AC and CC. Meta-analytic comparisons were performed when appropriate using data from comparative studies using a random-effects model. Four studies met inclusion criteria. The indication for surgery was functional in the majority of cases, and 34.6% of cases were revision rhino- or septorhinoplasties. Disparate data across studies prevented meta-analysis on functional outcomes; however, qualitative review of function outcomes demonstrated comparable outcomes between the CC and AC groups. No differences in graft infection, warping, and resorption rates were detected. Analysis of all graft-related complications was higher in the CC group (P = 0.02); however, when AC donor site-related complications were included, no significance between the two groups was observed. In conclusion, limited, high quality data was available for analysis. Of the available studies, this systematic review suggest that the use of AC or CC may lead to comparable results in terms of functional outcomes. More long-term studies directly comparing AC and CC functional outcomes would be welcomed.

Oral Flora and Perioperative Antimicrobial Interventions in Cleft Palate Surgery: A Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: The role of perioperative antibiotics in cleft palate remains a topic of debate. Advocates stress their importance in preventing local and systemic infections and decreasing the incidence of oronasal fistula formation. However, few studies to date have directly evaluated the role of antibiotics and other antimicrobial measures in cleft palate surgery. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence surrounding the use of perioperative antibiotics and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palate surgery. Additionally, we review the literature on the oral flora unique to the cleft palate patient population. METHODS: This was accomplished utilizing PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library with MeSH and generic terms. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: This review highlights the lack of higher level evidence on perioperative antibiotic use and other antimicrobial interventions in cleft palatoplasty and calls for further research on the matter. CONCLUSIONS: The literature appears to support the use of preoperative antibiotics for cleft palatoplasty, but the benefits of prolonged postoperative antibiotic use remain questionable.

A Chemotactic Functional Scaffold with VEGF-Releasing Peptide Amphiphiles Facilitates Bone Regeneration by BMP-2 in a Large-Scale Rodent Cranial Defect Model.

BACKGROUND: Current common techniques for repairing calvarial defects by autologous bone grafting and alloplastic implants have significant limitations. In this study, the authors investigated a novel alternative approach to bone repair based on peptide amphiphile nanofiber gels that are engineered to control the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to recruit circulating stem cells to a site of bone regeneration and facilitate bone healing by bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). METHODS: VEGF release kinetics from peptide amphiphile gels were evaluated. Chemotactic functional scaffolds were fabricated by combining collagen sponges with peptide amphiphile gels containing VEGF. The in vitro and in vivo chemotactic activities of the scaffolds were evaluated by measuring mesenchymal stem cell migration, and angiogenic capability of the scaffolds was also evaluated. Large-scale rodent cranial bone defects were created to evaluate bone regeneration after implanting the scaffolds and other control materials. RESULTS: VEGF was released from peptide amphiphile in a controlled-release manner. In vitro migration of mesenchymal stem cells was significantly greater when exposed to chemotactic functional scaffolds compared to control scaffolds. In vivo chemotaxis was evidenced by migration of tracer-labeled mesenchymal stem cells to the chemotactic functional scaffolds. Chemotactic functional scaffolds showed significantly increased angiogenesis in vivo. Successful bone regeneration was noted in the defects treated with chemotactic functional scaffolds and BMP-2. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' observations suggest that this bioengineered construct successfully acts as a chemoattractant for circulating mesenchymal stem cells because of controlled release of VEGF from the peptide amphiphile gels. The chemotactic functional scaffolds may play a role in the future design of clinically relevant bone graft substitutes for large-scale bone defects.

Virtual Surgical Planning for Mandibular Reconstruction With the Fibula Free Flap: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The fibula free flap (FFF) remains the criterion standard for complex mandibular reconstruction. Surgeons have incorporated virtual surgical planning (VSP) into the reconstructive algorithm with the assertion that VSP increases operative efficiency and may improve clinical outcomes. To date, no large-scale studies have analyzed these claims. This study examines the literature and tests the hypothesis that VSP improves operative efficiency, clinical outcomes, and accuracy when compared with traditional techniques. METHODS: A systematic review was performed to identify articles utilizing VSP and traditional techniques for FFF-based mandibular reconstruction. Two reviewers independently assessed all articles for methodological quality using a validated instrument (weighted Cohen κ for interrater reliability = 0.70). Outcomes included operative time, length of stay, complications, and accuracy. Meta-analytic comparisons were performed using data from comparative studies using a random-effects model and differences of means analysis for outcomes measured on identical scales. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-one articles were identified, and 25 met the inclusion criteria: 12 were VSP only, whereas 13 were comparative. There were 241 VSP patients and 214 traditional patients available for meta-analysis. Patients undergoing reconstruction with VSP had a significant reduction in operative time by 44.64 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI], -74.69 to -14.58 minutes; P < 0.01) and demonstrated a mean trend toward shorter hospital admission (mean difference, -1.24 days; 95% CI, -4.00 to 1.52 days; P = 0.38). There was no statistical difference between cohorts for major (odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.46-2.31; P = 0.95) or minor complications (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.54-1.71; P = 0.90). Insufficient data were available for cost analysis and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Virtual surgical planning-guided mandibular reconstruction with FFF is associated with significantly decreased operative time and a mean trend toward shorter hospital admission. While multiple studies reported a high degree of accuracy, no standard measurement was available for meta-analysis.

Bioactive peptide amphiphile nanofiber gels enhance burn wound healing.

BACKGROUND: Burns are physically debilitating and potentially fatal injuries. The standard-of-care for burn wounds is the coverage with gauze dressings designed to minimize trauma to the regenerating epidermis and dermis during dressing changes. However, deep partial- and full-thickness burns always heal slowly when standard wound care alone is performed. We have previously reported that peptide amphiphile (PA) gels, pH-induced self-assembling nanostructured fibrous scaffolds, promote cell proliferation and have great potential in regenerative medicine for rapid repair of tissues. In this study, we hypothesized that the PA gels are capable of accelerating wound healing in burn injury. METHODS: Artificially generated thermally damaged fibroblasts and human umbilical vein endothelial cells were seeded onto the various PA nanofiber gels including bioactive and nonbioactive peptide sequences. Cell proliferation was assessed at different time points, and thermally damaged fibroblasts and HUVECs manifested increased proliferation with time when cultured with various PA gels. To determine in vivo effects, burn wounds of rats were treated with the bioactive Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS)-modified gel that showed greater cell proliferation in vitro. The wound closure was observed, and skin samples were harvested for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Cell proliferation using the RGDS-PA gel was significantly higher than that observed in other gels. The RGDS-PA gel significantly enhanced re-epithelialization during the burn wound healing process between days 7 and 28. Application of PA gels accelerates the recovery of deep partial-thickness burn wounds by stimulation of fibroblasts and the creation of an environment conducive to epithelial cell proliferation and wound closure. CONCLUSIONS: This biomaterial represents a new therapeutic strategy to overcome current clinical challenges in the treatment of injuries resulting from burns.

Application of Hydroxycholesterols for Alveolar Cleft Osteoplasty in a Rodent Model.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have played a central role in the regenerative therapies for bone reconstruction, including alveolar cleft and craniofacial surgery. However, the high cost and significant adverse effect of BMPs limit their broad application. Hydroxycholesterols, naturally occurring products of cholesterol oxidation, are a promising alternative to BMPs. The authors studied the osteogenic capability of hydroxycholesterols on human mesenchymal stem cells and the impact of hydroxycholesterols on a rodent alveolar cleft model. METHODS: Human mesenchymal stem cells were treated with control medium or osteogenic medium with or without hydroxycholesterols. Evaluation of cellular osteogenic activity was performed. A critical-size alveolar cleft was created and one of the following treatment options was assigned randomly to each defect: collagen sponge incorporated with hydroxycholesterols, BMP-2, or no treatment. Bone regeneration was assessed by means of radiologic and histologic analyses and local inflammation in the cleft evaluated. Moreover, the role of the hedgehog signaling pathway in hydroxycholesterol-mediated osteogenesis was examined. RESULTS: All cellular osteogenic activities were significantly increased on human mesenchymal stem cells treated with hydroxycholesterols relative to others. The alveolar cleft treated with collagen sponge with hydroxycholesterols and BMP-2 demonstrated robust bone regeneration. The hydroxycholesterol group revealed histologically complete bridging of the alveolar defect with architecturally mature new bone. The inflammatory responses were less in the hydroxycholesterol group compared with the BMP-2 group. Induction of hydroxycholesterol-mediated in vitro osteogenesis and in vivo bone regeneration were attenuated by hedgehog signaling inhibitor, implicating involvement of the hedgehog signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Hydroxycholesterols may represent a viable alternative to BMP-2 in bone tissue engineering for alveolar cleft.

Evaluation of the Integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Prerequisite Core Surgical Training Experience: A Residents' Perspective.

BACKGROUND: A key educational component of the integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) training model is the prerequisite, or core, experiences. The aim of this study is to assess the integrated PRS residents' experience with this early part of training. METHODS: A 20-question survey was developed and piloted before deployment to integrated PRS training programs from 4 United States Census regions. Respondents were asked to characterize their prerequisite clinical and operative experiences. Results were analyzed using pairwise correlation statistics and logistic regression modeling following Bonferroni correction for multiple hypothesis testing. RESULTS: One hundred ninety six residents (22 programs) participated in the study (response rate, 65.3%). The majority of residents were satisfied with their prerequisite experiences. Most did not take the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination, which was perceived as noncontributory to PRS training. The majority of residents preferred to have fewer prerequisite experiences. Operative hours per week were predictive of resident satisfaction with the clinical and operative prerequisite experiences (both P < 0.001). Perception of general surgery program director investment in PRS education was also predictive of resident satisfaction with clinical and operative experiences (P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that PRS residents are satisfied with the quality of prerequisite training but prefer less overall. Reevaluation of the benefits of the American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination and individual essential rotations for resident education would be welcomed. Furthermore, this study identifies the residents' clinical and operative experience and perceived general surgery program director involvement as important determinants of integrated resident satisfaction with prerequisite training.

Outcomes following polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cranioplasty: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been used in cranioplasty since the early 2000s. However, there remains limited data that compares its long-term complication rate to autologous grafts and titanium mesh implants. To compare complication and implant failure rates after PEEK, autologous and titanium mesh cranioplasties, the authors of this study conducted a systematic review using the PubMed database. Studies that contained outcome data on complication rates of PEEK cranioplasty patients and studies that compared outcomes of patients who underwent PEEK cranioplasties versus other materials were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios using the Mantel-Haenszel method were used for analysis. Fifteen articles, comprised of 183 PEEK cranioplasty patients were included. Of these patients, 15.3% developed post-operative complications and 8.7% experienced implant failure requiring reoperation. Patients who underwent cranioplasties with PEEK implants had 0.130 times the odds of developing post-operative complications (P=0.065) and 0.574 times the odds of implant failure compared to patients with autologous bone graft cranioplasties (P=0.629). Patients who had undergone PEEK cranioplasties had 0.127 times the odds of developing post-op complications (P=0.360) and 0.170 times the odds of implant failure compared to individuals who had undergone titanium mesh cranioplasties (P=0.168). The analysis was severely limited by the paucity in literature. However, there was a trend toward lower post-operative complication rates following PEEK cranioplasty versus autologous grafts, and lower implant failure rates with PEEK versus titanium mesh implants.

Classification of Newborn Ear Malformations and their Treatment with the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System.

BACKGROUND: A single practice's treatment protocol and outcomes following molding therapy on newborn ear deformations and malformations with the EarWell Infant Ear Correction System were reviewed. A classification system for grading the severity of constricted ear malformations was created on the basis of anatomical findings. METHODS: A retrospective chart/photograph review of a consecutive series of infants treated with the EarWell System from 2011 to 2014 was undertaken. The infants were placed in either deformation or malformation groups. Three classes of malformation were identified. Data regarding treatment induction, duration of treatment, and quality of outcome were collected for all study patients. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five infant ear malformations and 303 infant ear deformities were treated with the EarWell System. The average age at initiation of treatment was 12 days; the mean duration of treatment was 37 days. An average of six office visits was required. Treated malformations included constricted ears [172 ears (98 percent)] and cryptotia [three ears (2 percent)]. Cup ear (34 ears) was considered a constricted malformation, in contrast to the prominent ear deformity. Constricted ears were assigned to one of three classes, with each subsequent class indicating increasing severity: class I, 77 ears (45 percent); class II, 81 ears (47 percent); and class III, 14 ears (8 percent). Molding therapy with the EarWell System reduced the severity by an average of 1.2 points (p < 0.01). Complications included minor superficial excoriations and abrasions. CONCLUSION: The EarWell System was shown to be effective in eliminating or reducing the need for surgery in all but the most severe malformations. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for Diaphragmatic Paralysis: A Review of 180 Patients.

Background Phrenic nerve reconstruction has been evaluated as a method of restoring functional activity and may be an effective alternative to diaphragm plication. Longer follow-up and a larger cohort for analysis are necessary to confirm the efficacy of this procedure for diaphragmatic paralysis. Methods A total of 180 patients treated with phrenic nerve reconstruction for chronic diaphragmatic paralysis were followed for a median 2.7 years. Assessment parameters included: 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical functioning survey, spirometry, chest fluoroscopy, electrodiagnostic evaluation, a five-item questionnaire to assess specific functional issues, and overall patient-reported outcome. Results Overall, 134 males and 46 females with an average age of 56 years (range: 10-79 years) were treated. Mean baseline percent predicted values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, and total lung capacity, were 61, 63, 67, and 75%, respectively. The corresponding percent improvements in percent predicted values were: 11, 6, 9, and 13% (p ≤ 0.01; ≤ 0.01; ≤ 0.05; ≤ 0.01). Mean preoperative SF-36 physical functioning survey scores were 39%, and an improvement to 65% was demonstrated following surgery (p ≤ 0.0001). Nerve conduction latency, improved by an average 23% (p ≤ 0.005), and there was a corresponding 125% increase in diaphragm motor amplitude (p ≤ 0.0001). A total of 89% of patients reported an overall improvement in breathing function. Conclusion Long-term assessment of phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis indicates functional correction and symptomatic relief.

Oxy133, a novel osteogenic agent, promotes bone regeneration in an intramembranous bone-healing model.

Current reconstructive techniques for complex craniofacial osseous defects are challenging and are associated with significant morbidity. Oxysterols are naturally occurring cholesterol oxidation products with osteogenic potential. In this study, we investigated the effects of a novel semi-synthetic oxysterol, Oxy133, on in vitro osteogenesis and an in vivo intramembranous bone-healing model. Rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were treated with either Oxy133 or BMP-2. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, expression of osteogenic gene markers and in vitro mineralization were all examined. Next, collagen sponges carrying either Oxy133 or BMP-2 were used to reconstruct critical-sized cranial defects in mature rabbits and bone regeneration was assessed. To determine the mechanism of action of Oxy133 both in vitro and in vivo, rabbit BMSCs cultures and collagen sponge/Oxy133 implants were treated with the Hedgehog signalling pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, and similar outcomes were measured. ALP activity in rabbit BMSCs treated with 1 µm Oxy133 was induced and was significantly higher than in control cells. These results were mitigated in cultures treated with cyclopamine. Expression of osteogenic gene markers and mineralization in BMSCs treated with 1 µm Oxy133 was significantly higher than in control groups. Complete bone regeneration was noted in vivo when cranial defects were treated with Oxy133; healing was incomplete, however, when cyclopamine was added. Collectively, these results demonstrate that Oxy133 has the ability to induce osteogenic differentiation in vitro in rabbit BMSCs and to promote robust bone regeneration in vivo in an animal model of intramembranous bone healing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Management and Reconstruction in the Breast Cancer Patient With a Fungating T4b Tumor.

BACKGROUND: A subset of women with locally advanced breast cancer presented with fungating tumor mass eroding and infiltrating the surrounding breast skin (T4b breast cancers). These patients often have chronic pain, large open wounds, frequent infections, malodorous drainage, social isolation, and general debilitation that present enormous therapeutic challenges. Because of the advanced nature of the disease, palliation, while minimizing recovery time and maximizing quality of life, is essential. METHODS: From 2009 to 2014, a total of 12 consecutive patients underwent resection of fungating T4b breast tumors and subsequent chest wall reconstruction. Demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data were collected retrospectively. RESULTS: Fifty percent of women had distant metastases at the time of reconstruction, and 17% of women presented to the emergency department in a hemodynamically unstable condition in either hemorrhagic shock or septic shock, necessitating delay of reconstruction for up to 1 week. Mean wound size for reconstruction was 473 cm(2). Reconstructive procedures included split-thickness skin grafting and thoracoepigastric advancement, latissimus dorsi, trapezius, and extended transverse and vertical rectus abdominis flaps. Postoperative survival ranged from 98 to 172 days (mean = 127 days), with 9 patients currently living. Seventy-five percent of patients had improved pain and reduced wound care needs after reconstruction. Postoperative reconstruction-specific complications occurred in 33% of cases, with 1 patient requiring a second operating room visit. CONCLUSIONS: Women with fungating T4b breast cancer tumors often present with metastatic disease and have significant need for pain and wound palliation. The reconstructive techniques performed are reliable, efficacious in palliating pain, and reducing wound care needs and have low complication rates.

Biomimetic Scaffolds for Osteogenesis.

Skeletal regenerative medicine emerged as a field of investigation to address large osseous deficiencies secondary to congenital, traumatic, and post-oncologic conditions. Although autologous bone grafts have been the gold standard for reconstruction of skeletal defects, donor site morbidity remains a significant limitation. To address these limitations, contemporary bone tissue engineering research aims to target delivery of osteogenic cells and growth factors in a defined three dimensional space using scaffolding material. Using bone as a template, biomimetic strategies in scaffold engineering unite organic and inorganic components in an optimal configuration to both support osteoinduction as well as osteoconduction. This article reviews the various structural and functional considerations behind the development of effective biomimetic scaffolds for osteogenesis and highlights strategies for enhancing osteogenesis.

Natural Killer Cells Differentiate Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Modulate Their Adipogenic Potential.

BACKGROUND: Natural killer cells are thought to represent more than 30 percent of all lymphocytes within the stromal vascular fraction of lipoaspirates. However, their physiologic interaction with adipocytes and their precursors has never been specifically examined. The authors hypothesized that natural killer cells, by means of cytokine secretion, are capable of promoting the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells. METHODS: Human natural killer cells purified from healthy donors' peripheral blood mononuclear cells were activated with a combination of interleukin-2 and anti-CD16 monoclonal antibody; natural killer cell supernatant was collected. Adipose-derived stem cells isolated from raw human lipoaspirates from healthy patients were treated with growth media, growth media with natural killer cell supernatant, adipogenic media, and adipogenic media with natural killer cells supernatant. Flow cytometric analysis was performed on cells using antibodies against B7H1, CD36, CD44, CD34, CD29, and MHC-1. Adipogenic-related gene expression (PPAR-γ, LPL, GPD-1, and aP2) was assessed. Oil Red O staining was performed as a functional assay of adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. RESULTS: Adipose-derived stem cells maintained in growth media with natural killer cell supernatant lost markers of "stemness," including CD44, CD34, and CD29; and expressed markers of differentiation, including B7H1 and MHC-1. Adipose-derived stem cells treated with natural killer cell supernatant accumulated small amounts of lipid after 10 days of natural killer cell supernatant treatment. Adipose-derived stem cells treated with natural killer cell supernatant showed altered expression of adipogenesis-associated genes compared with cells maintained in growth media. Adipose-derived stem cells maintained in adipogenic media with natural killer cell supernatant accumulated less lipid than those cells in adipogenic media alone. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrate that, through secreted factors, natural killer cells are capable of differentiating adipose-derived stem cells. In cells maintained in adipogenic media, treatment with natural killer cell supernatant modulated adipogenic potential.

The use of negative pressure wound therapy in severe open lower extremity fractures: identifying the association between length of therapy and surgical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely accepted method of temporary coverage for complex lower extremity wounds before definitive reconstruction. However, the precise role of NPWT in the perioperative management of patients with complicated lower extremity injuries remains unclear. In this study, we examine the effect of NPWT on flap complications and overall outcomes based on timing of soft-tissue reconstruction relative to initial injury and implementation of NPWT. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 32 consecutive patients presenting to a single institution receiving lower extremity reconstruction after Gustilo class IIIB or IIIC open tibial fractures over a 5-y period. Length of hospitalization, number of surgical procedures, flap failure, infection, and nonunion were parameters of interest in this study. RESULTS: The incidence of complications in patients treated with NPWT was lower compared with patients who underwent wet-to-dry dressing changes, regardless of when surgery was performed. The highest rate of complications was observed in patients operated on >6 wk after injury and who received wet-to-dry dressing changes wound care. By comparison, those who underwent surgery within 1 wk of injury and who were bridged with NPWT had the lowest rate of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NPWT therapy in the perioperative management of patients with open lower extremity fractures reduces complication rates associated with limb salvage surgery. Our results suggest that NPWT can be used as a temporizing measure to optimize patients before flap surgery, effectively lengthening the window of opportunity for definitive reconstruction.

Digital mobile technology facilitates HIPAA-sensitive perioperative messaging, improves physician-patient communication, and streamlines patient care.

BACKGROUND: Mobile device technology has revolutionized interpersonal communication, but the application of this technology to the physician-patient relationship remains limited due to concerns over patient confidentiality and the security of digital information. Nevertheless, there is a continued focus on improving communication between doctors and patients in all fields of medicine as a means of improving patient care. In this study, we implement a novel communications platform to demonstrate that instantaneously sharing perioperative information with surgical patients and members of their support networks can improve patient care and strengthen the physician-patient relationship. METHODS: 423 consecutive patients scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures were offered complimentary registration to a secure, web-based service designed to distribute perioperative updates to a group of recipients designated by each patient via Short Message Service (SMS) and/or email. Messages were created by attending surgeons and delivered instantaneously through the web-based platform. In the postoperative period, patients and their designated message recipients, as well as participating healthcare providers, were asked to complete a survey designed to assess their experience with the messaging system. Survey results were statistically analyzed to determine satisfaction rates. RESULTS: Of the qualifying 423 patients, 313 opted to enroll in the study. On average, patients selected a total of 3.5 recipients to receive perioperative updates. A total of 1,195 electronic messages were generated for distribution to designated recipients during the study period and delivered to recipients located around the world. There were no documented errors or failures in message delivery. Satisfaction surveys were completed by 190 users of the service (73 %). Respondents identified themselves as either patients (n = 48, 25.5 %), family/friends (n = 120, 63.8 %), or healthcare providers (n = 15, 12 %). Satisfaction with the service was high: 94.2 % of users "enjoyed this software" and and 94.2 % of family/friends "felt more connected to their loved ones during surgery." 92.5 % would "recommend their loved ones sign up for this service". Ninety percent of patients who completed the survey reported "an improved hospital experience". CONCLUSION: Digital communications platforms can facilitate the immediate transfer of HIPAA-compliant data to patients and their designees. Such systems can greatly improve the level of communication between physicians, patients, and patients' families and caregivers. All types of users, including healthcare professionals, patients, and their loved ones, recorded high levels of satisfaction. Based on these observations, we conclude that mobile digital communications platforms represent a way to harness the power of social media to enhance patient care.

Development of chemotactic smart scaffold for use in tissue regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative medicine aims to obviate the need for autologous grafting through the use of bioengineered constructs that combine stem cells, growth factors, and biocompatible vehicles. Human mesenchymal stem cells and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have both shown promise for use in this context, the former because of their pluripotent capacity and the latter because of its chemotactic activity. The authors harnessed the regenerative potential of human mesenchymal stem cells and VEGF to develop a chemotactic scaffold for use in tissue engineering. METHODS: Human mesenchymal stem cells were transduced with human VEGF via lentivirus particles to secrete VEGF. The chemotactic activity of the VEGF-transduced stem cells was evaluated via a trans-well assay. Migration through semipermeable membranes was significantly greater in chambers filled with medium conditioned by VEGF-transduced cells. VEGF-transduced cells were then seeded on apatite-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) scaffolds, thereby creating the Smart Scaffold. To determine in vivo angiogenesis, the Smart Scaffolds were implanted into subcutaneous pockets in the backs of nude mice. RESULTS: Significantly larger numbers of capillaries were observed in the Smart Scaffold compared with control implants on immunohistologic studies. For the chemotactic in vivo study, human mesenchymal stem cells tagged with a fluorescent dye (1,1-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide) were injected intravenously via tail vein after the subcutaneous implantation of the Smart Scaffolds. In vivo fluorescent imaging revealed that fluorescent dye-tagged human mesenchymal stem cells successfully accumulated within the Smart Scaffolds. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that VEGF may play a vital role in the design of clinically relevant tissue regeneration graft substitutes through its angiogenic effects and ability to chemoattract mesenchymal stem cells.