Prospective analysis of a surgical algorithm to achieve ventilator weaning in cervical tetraplegia.

Objectives: Chronic ventilator dependency in cervical tetraplegia is associated with substantial morbidity. When non-invasive weaning methods have failed the primary surgical treatment is diaphragm pacing. Phrenic nerve integrity and diaphragm motor units are requirements for effective pacing but may need to be restored for successful weaning. A surgical algorithm that includes: 1. Diaphragm pacing, 2. Phrenic nerve reconstruction, and 3. Diaphragm muscle replacement, may provide the capability of reducing or reversing ventilator dependency in virtually all cervical tetraplegics.Design: Prospective case series.Setting: A university-based hospital from 2015 to 2019.Participants: Ten patients with ventilator-dependent cervical tetraplegia.Interventions: I. Pacemaker alone, II. Pacemaker + phrenic nerve reconstruction, or III. Pacemaker + diaphragm muscle replacement.Outcome measures: Time from surgery to observed reduction in ventilator requirements (↓VR), ventilatory needs as of most recent follow-up [no change (NC), partial weaning (PW, 1-12 h/day), or complete weaning (CW, >12 h/day)], and complications.Results: Both patients in Group I achieved CW at 6-month follow-up. Two patients in Group II achieved CW, and in another two patients PW was achieved, at 1.5-2-year follow-up. The remaining two patients are NC at 6 and 8-month follow-up, respectively. In group III, both patients achieved PW at 2-year follow-up. Complications included mucous plugging (n = 1) and pacemaker malfunction requiring revision (n = 3).Conclusion: Although more investigation is necessary, phrenic nerve reconstruction or diaphragm muscle replacement performed (when indicated) with pacemaker implantation may allow virtually all ventilator-dependent cervical tetraplegics to partially or completely wean.

First Carpometacarpal Joint Denervation: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is a frequent location of osteoarthritis in the hand. The denervation of the first CMC joint has gained traction as a viable treatment for CMC arthritis. This study reviewed literature on CMC denervation for first CMC arthritis. METHODS: A systematic review of papers and abstracts was conducted. The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines were followed. Articles including the results of CMC denervation were included. We compiled data on patient demographics, preoperative testing, intraoperative technique, and postoperative outcomes. Anatomic literature was also reviewed to assess agreement on the innervation of the first CMC joint. RESULTS: Six anatomic studies and 9 clinical studies were included in this systematic review. Pinch strength, grip strength, and Kapandji scores increased on average in patients. Pain relief was noted on average in patients in 5 studies that reported pain outcomes. In studies that reported postoperative complications, the most frequent complications were radial paresthesias, hypoesthesia dorsal and/or distal to the surgical site, and wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: The innervation of the CMC joint is controversial. This is reflected in clinical practice, wherein varied surgical approaches are used. Carpometacarpal denervation shows promise as an option to treat patients with CMC arthritis without joint instability, but its results vary. Additional clinical studies with longer-term follow-up and control groups are necessary to better determine its longevity and efficacy. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction for Effective Surgical Treatment of Diaphragmatic Paralysis.

ABSTRACT: Diaphragmatic paralysis due to phrenic nerve injury may cause orthopnea, exertional dyspnea, and sleep-disordered breathing. Phrenic nerve reconstruction may relieve symptoms and improve respiratory function. A retrospective review of 400 consecutive patients undergoing phrenic nerve reconstruction for diaphragmatic paralysis at 2 tertiary treatment centers was performed between 2007 and 2019. Symptomatic patients were identified, and the diagnosis was confirmed on radiographic evaluations. Assessment parameters included pulmonary spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 second and FVC), maximal inspiratory pressure, compound muscle action potentials, diaphragm thickness, chest fluoroscopy, and Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) survey. There were 81 females and 319 males with an average age of 54 years (range, 19-79 years). The mean duration from diagnosis to surgery was 29 months (range, 1-320 months). The most common etiologies were acute or chronic injury (29%), interscalene nerve block (17%), and cardiothoracic surgery (15%). The mean improvements in forced expiratory volume in 1 second and FVC at 1 year were 10% (P < 0.01) and 8% (P < 0.05), respectively. At 2-year follow-up, the corresponding values were 22% (P < 0.05) and 18% (P < 0.05), respectively. Improvement on chest fluoroscopy was demonstrated in 63% and 71% of patients at 1 and 2-year follow-up, respectively. There was a 20% (P < 0.01) improvement in maximal inspiratory pressure, and compound muscle action potentials increased by 82% (P < 0.001). Diaphragm thickness demonstrated a 27% (P < 0.01) increase, and SF-36 revealed a 59% (P < 0.001) improvement in physical functioning. Symptomatic diaphragmatic paralysis should be considered for surgical treatment. Phrenic nerve reconstruction can achieve symptomatic relief and improve respiratory function. Increasing spirometry and improvements on Sniff from 1 to 2 years support incremental recovery with longer follow-up.

Treatment for bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction using phrenic nerve reconstruction and diaphragm pacemakers.

OBJECTIVES: Bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction results in severe dyspnoea, usually requiring oxygen therapy and nocturnal ventilatory support. Although treatment options are limited, phrenic nerve reconstruction (PR) offers the opportunity to restore functional activity. This study aims to evaluate combination treatment with PR and placement of a diaphragm pacemaker (DP) compared to DP placement alone in patients with bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction. METHODS: Patients with bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction were prospectively enrolled in the following treatment algorithm: Unilateral PR was performed on the more severely impacted side with bilateral DP implantation. Motor amplitudes, ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickness, maximal inspiratory pressure, forced expiratory volume, forced vital capacity and subjective patient-reported outcomes were obtained for retrospective analysis following completion of the prospective database. RESULTS: Fourteen male patients with bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction confirmed on chest fluoroscopy and electrodiagnostic testing were included. All 14 patients required nocturnal ventilator support, and 8/14 (57.1%) were oxygen-dependent. All patients reported subjective improvement, and all 8 oxygen-dependent patients were able to discontinue oxygen therapy following treatment. Improvements in maximal inspiratory pressure, forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume were 68%, 47% and 53%, respectively. There was an average improvement of 180% in motor amplitude and a 50% increase in muscle thickness. Comparison of motor amplitude changes revealed significantly greater functional recovery on the PR + DP side. CONCLUSIONS: PR and simultaneous implantation of a DP may restore functional activity and alleviate symptoms in patients with bilateral diaphragmatic dysfunction. PR plus diaphragm pacing appear to result in greater functional muscle recovery than pacing alone.

Comparison of Phasix, polypropylene, and primary closure of the abdominal donor site after bilateral free flap breast reconstruction: Long-term evaluation of abdominal hernia and bulge formation.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal free flap harvest for breast reconstruction may result in significant morbidity in terms of hernias and bulges. Reinforcement of the donor site with mesh has been recommended to minimize the risk of hernias and bulges, but no studies exist evaluating the optimal type of mesh. Polypropylene has traditionally been used but the development of Phasix restorable mesh may be a reasonable alternative. Here, we compared the use of Phasix to polypropylene and primary closure and hypothesize that the former has lower rates of abdominal morbidity in the long term. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing bilateral free flap breast reconstruction from the abdomen was performed while patients with pedicle flaps or alternative donor sites were excluded. Patient demographics, medical/surgical history, cancer treatments, and flap type were analyzed. All patients were monitored for a minimum of 2 years for early donor site complications as well as hernia/bulges. RESULTS: Sixty-six consecutive patients were included (40 patients with Phasix, 20 patients with polypropylene, and 6 patients with primary closure). Use of Phasix mesh resulted in higher initial operative costs ($2,750 vs. $72 vs. $0). Two patients with polypropylene mesh and one patient undergoing primary closure developed an abdominal bulge in an average follow-up of 25.2 months (11.5% vs. 0%, p = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Mesh placement for abdominal wall reinforcement after bilateral free flap breast reconstruction minimizes the risk of hernias and bulges. Although Phasix results in increased initial costs, abdominal morbidity is significantly decreased after follow-up beyond 2 years.

Complete Pocket Resection with Regional Flap Closure for Treatment of Cardiac Implantable Device Infections.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac implantable electronic device infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. There are varied recommendations in the literature about treatment of the wound after extraction of all hardware, but only conservative, time-consuming approaches such as open packing and negative-pressure therapy along with a long interval before reimplanting any hardware have generally been recommended for the treatment.1-4. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 42 patients treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center for implantable cardioverter defibrillator and permanent pacemaker infections between July 2010 and April 2018 with an aggressive, multidisciplinary approach utilizing an invasive cardiologist and a plastic surgeon. Clinical and demographic data were collected, and a descriptive analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients, with a median age of 76 years, were selected for our treatment of pacemaker pocket infection. Patients underwent removal of all hardware followed by debridement and flap closure of the wound soon after extraction. Reimplantation was performed when indicated typically within a week after initial extraction and typically on the contralateral side. There were no reports of reinfection and no mortality in all 42 patients treated. CONCLUSION: We found that the aggressive removal of all hardware and excisional debridement of the entire capsule followed by flap coverage and closure of the wound allowed for a shortened interval to reimplantation with no ipsilateral or contralateral infections during the follow-up period.

Microneurosurgical treatment options in peripheral nerve compression syndromes after chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and radiation-induced brachial plexopathy are extremely debilitating conditions which can occur after treatment of malignancy. Unfortunately, the diagnosis can be elusive, and this dilemma is further compounded by the lack of efficacious therapeutics to prevent the onset of neurotoxicity before initiating chemotherapy or radiation or to treat these sequelae after treatment. However, microsurgical nerve decompression can provide these patients with a viable option to treat this complication.

Burn scar regeneration with the "SUFA" (Subcision and Fat Grafting) technique. A prospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of burn scars with traditional surgical techniques is challenging due to recurrent contractures. Fat grafting has been previously used in small clinical series and results are often biased by lack of scientific validating methods. Fat grafting in clinical practice is often evaluated for its filler properties and rarely scientifically validated for its potential in dermal regeneration. Animal studies have shown dermal regeneration with new deposition and reorientation of the collagen fiber. Our study aims to apply the validity of in vitro studies to clinical practice. METHODS: Our study prospectively evaluated outcomes in 12 patients treated with the "SUFA" technique (Subcision and Fat Grafting) for debilitating contracted burns scars limiting range of motion. Results were evaluated clinically with the Vancouver scale and by range of motion at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Dermal regeneration was evaluated by looking at dermis thickening using high definition ultrasound and scar remodeling looking at reorientation and new deposition of collagen fibers with hematoxylin-eosin histology and monoclonal antibodies against collagen type 1 and 3. RESULTS: Statistically significant clinical improvements in range of motion of the affected joints was observed (P<0.05). Fat reabsorption occurred with a mean of 40%. Thickening of dermis and redistribution and reorientation of the collagen fibers within the dermis was also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: Our results present the first clinical scientific evidence of dermal regeneration in fat grafting. Using monoclonal antibodies and high definition ultrasounds, we demonstrate the first evidence of dermis regeneration in a clinical scenario.