MicroRNA-135b-5p Is a Pathologic Biomarker in the Endothelial Cells of Arteriovenous Malformations.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular anomalies with a poor prognosis. AVMs are considered intractable diseases, as there is no established approach for early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to provide new evidence by analyzing microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with AVM. We present fundamental evidence for the early diagnosis and treatment of AVM by analyzing miRNAs in the endothelial cells of AVMs. This study performed sequencing and validation of miRNAs in endothelial cells from normal and AVM tissues. Five upregulated and two downregulated miRNAs were subsequently analyzed under hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Under hypoxic conditions, miR-135b-5p was significantly upregulated in the AVM compared to that under normal conditions, corresponding to increased endothelial activity (p-value = 0.0238). VEGF treatment showed no significant increase in miR-135b-5p under normal conditions, however, a surge in AVM was observed. Under both hypoxia and VEGF treatment, comparison indicated a downregulation of miR-135b-5p in AVM. Therefore, miR-135b-5p was assumed to affect the pathophysiological process of AVM and might play a vital role as a potential biomarker of AVMs for application related to diagnosis and treatment.

Postoperative Scar Management Using Laser Therapy for Breast Reconstruction With Latissimus Dorsi Flap.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative scar formation is inevitable, and a gold standard management has not been established to date. Due to the fact long and large scar formation occurs in reconstructive surgery, this study analyzed the relationship between various factors in patients who received breast reconstruction using latissimus dorsi (LD) flap to investigate appropriate and effective management approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who underwent breast reconstruction between June 2014 and January 2015 received laser therapy on their LD donor site at the Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. Scar evaluation was performed on both the surgical scar and intact skin on the contralateral side. Scar evaluation was conducted at five specific points, 2 cm from the midpoint of the scar on each side. Laser treatment was performed at 4-week intervals, and patients were then followed-up for 6 months. To assess scars, gross images were taken using the same settings. In addition, spectrophotometry was used for color assessment, durometer for texture and pressure evaluation, and Vernier calipers and height gauges for a more precise and objective approach. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 45.7 years, and the mean body mass index was 22.1 kg/m2 The operator-evaluated scar scale scores were 107.2 and 97.3 in the experimental and control groups, respectively. In the patient-rated questionnaire, the scores were 62.3 and 59.4 in the experimental and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: When analyzing early-stage postoperative scars based on various factors, laser therapy is considered a very useful scar management approach. Additionally, when performing reconstructive surgery, tension force is regarded as a significant factor to take into account since it affects scar widening.

External Volume Expansion: Timing and Effects on the Rate of Fat Graft Retention in BALB/c Nude Mice.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Fat grafting has been widely used for soft-tissue augmentation. External volume expansion (EVE) is a favorable tool for improvement in the rate of fat graft retention. However, few studies have focused on the most appropriate time for its implementation. In this study, BALB/c nude mice were used to investigate the effective time for the implementation of external volume expansion to improve the rate of fat retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen mice were divided into four groups, and EVE was performed at different time points before or both before and after fat grafting. Fat tissue from a human donor was injected into the mice following EVE. Visual assessment, micro-computed tomography analysis, and histopathological evaluation were used to assess fat retention. RESULTS: After 10 weeks, the group that underwent EVE 5 days before fat grafting demonstrated a significantly higher preserved fat volume, as determined by micro-computed tomography (p<0.05). Moreover, the group that received additional EVE after fat grafting exhibited a higher retention rate compared to the groups receiving EVE only before grafting (p<0.05). Histopathological analysis indicated that swelling, edema, and inflammation were more pronounced in the group with EVE immediately before grafting, while angiogenesis and lipogenesis were more active in the group with additional EVE after grafting. CONCLUSION: EVE is a safe and effective approach for improving the rate of fat graft retentions. Furthermore, the timing of external tissue expansion plays a crucial role in fat retention. Based on our animal study, performing EVE immediately before and after fat grafting may be an effective strategy for enhancing the rate of fat graft retentions.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Helmet Therapy for Cranial Deformations According to Cranial Shape.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of helmet therapy on plagiocephaly, according to head circumference, cephalic index (CI), and skull height. Plagiocephaly is a condition in which the skull is congenitally asymmetrical or affected by acquired factors such as compression in the womb or the habit of sleeping on one side. Although there are numerous studies on the effectiveness of helmet therapy for plagiocephaly, research on its effectiveness on skull shape is lacking. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study on 400 patients who underwent helmet therapy. The infants were enrolled and the therapy was explained to the caregiver when the child had positional plagiocephaly and had a cranial vault asymmetry (CVA) exceeding 10 mm or a CVA index (CVAI) exceeding 3.5%. The CVA and CVAI changes were compared to investigate the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference, CI, and skull height. RESULTS: A significant treatment effect was observed for CI values between 90 and 103. The treatment effect was found to increase with greater skull height. However, no significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of helmet therapy according to head circumference. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings, the effectiveness of helmet therapy in children with positional plagiocephaly is greater for children with higher skulls and for those with CI values between 90 and 103; it is unrelated to head circumference. Based on these results, we can provide predictions of the effectiveness of helmet therapy to caregivers of children with positional plagiocephaly.

Extracranial Vascular Malformations Increase Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Extracranial vascular malformations affect vessel inflammation, clotting, and ischemia. However, the relationship between extracranial vascular malformations and myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke has not been fully elucidated. Limited studies have investigated the association between extracranial vascular malformations and cardiovascular diseases. METHODS: A total of 48,701 patients with extracranial vascular malformations and a control cohort with 487,010 age- and sex-matched participants from the Korean National Health Insurance database were included. The incidence and risk of MI, ischemic stroke (IS), and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) between participants with extracranial vascular malformations and the control cohort was then compared. RESULTS: After adjusting for other cardiovascular disease risk factors, the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for VMs, CMs, AVMs, and LMs in patients with acute MI were 1.25 [CI 1.04-1.50], 1.41 [CI 1.24-1.61], 1.68 [CI 1.18-2.37], and 1.40 [CI 1.31-1.48], respectively. For IS, the aHRs were 1.55 [CI 1.35-1.77], 1.92 [CI 1.74-2.11], 1.13 [CI 0.78-1.64], and 1.51 [CI 1.44-1.58], respectively. For HS, the aHRs were 1.51 [CI 1.12-2.05], 5.63 [CI 4.97-6.38], 2.93 [CI 1.82-4.72], and 1.34 [CI 1.20-1.50], respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Independent of cardiovascular risk factors, extracranial vascular malformations were associated with an increased risk of MI, IS, and HS. For patients with CMs and AVMs, intracerebral hemorrhage risk was particularly high, accounting for 563% and 293%, respectively. Therefore, even in patients with extracranial CMs or AVMs, performing diagnostic evaluations for cerebral AVMs and employing measures to prevent intracerebral hemorrhage are very crucial.

Risk of congestive heart failure and mortality following lymphovenous anastomosis: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) enables lymphatic fluid to drain into the venous system. However, no study has investigated the association between LVA and heart failure (HF) caused by fluid overload in the blood circulating system. The purpose of our study was to determine whether LVA increases the risk of HF and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This nationwide retrospective study evaluated a total of 1400 lymphedema patients who underwent LVA and two control cohorts with 28 000 lymphedema who did not undergo LVA and 70 000 age-matched and sex-matched participants from the Korean National Health Insurance database were included. Blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), glucose and cholesterol levels, smoking history, and comorbidities were obtained during National Health Insurance Service - Health Screening (NHIS-HealS). The incidence, adjusted risk for HF, and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Adjusted HRs for HF were 1.20 (confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.40) and 1.30 (CI, 1.12-1.50), referenced by the general population control cohort and patients with lymphedema without LVA, respectively. In age, sex, BMI, and smoking status-stratified analyses, heightened risk of HF was evident across all sexes, spanning both young and old age groups, encompassing individuals with various smoking statuses, and those with a BMI of 18.5 or higher. Among these groups, the risk was notably greater in males compared to females, higher in younger individuals as opposed to older ones, and further elevated within the BMI range of 18.5-25. CONCLUSIONS: LVA is associated with an increased HF risk, independent of cardiovascular risk factors and associated comorbidities. This association is prominent in participants aged <50 years, in males, and in the normal-to-obese (BMI ≥18.5 kg/m 2 ) group. Among patients with lymphedema, LVA did not significantly affect mortality.

Indications for Furlow's double-opposing Z-plasty in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency following two-flap palatoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Various surgical methods have been developed for treating velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI); however, the choice of surgical treatment is controversial. Pharyngeal flap, which is commonly used, has a high success rate but frequently leads to airway complications. Furlow's double-opposing Z-plasty (DOZ) does not deform the velopharyngeal port; therefore, it is expected to show good speech outcomes while reducing airway complications if an appropriate indication is noted. This study aimed to identify indications for DOZ in cases of VPI following palatoplasty. METHODS: Non-syndromic patients who underwent palatoplasty were prospectively followed from 2008 to 2016, and those diagnosed with VPI were treated with DOZ. Preoperative facial computed tomography (CT) and postoperative nasometric assessment results were examined. Surgical indication was set based on a 30% threshold value for postoperative nasalance. RESULTS: Comparing the preoperative CT parameters of both groups, high Need's ratio (NR), wide width of the nasopharynx (WNP), and long velopharyngeal depth (VPD) were contributing factors to VPI occurrence (p < 0.05). Analyzing preoperative CT and postoperative speech evaluation results, a linear relationship was observed between preoperative NR, WNP, VPD, and postoperative nasalance. In cases where NR < 0.81, WNP < 27.64 mm, and VPD < 20.34 mm, DOZ shows favorable outcomes (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CT evaluation should be performed in patients with VPI. When WNP, VPD, and NR values are small, DOZ can achieve sufficient correction of VPI and reduce the risk of airway complications. In cases where the indication range is exceeded, pharyngeal flap is considered.

Free Vertical Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Tongue Reconstruction After Total Glossectomy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The tongue is an important anatomical structure, playing an significant role in natural speech, swallowing, and sense of taste. Immediate reconstruction using autologous tissue must be performed following glossectomy for tongue cancer to improve patient quality of life. This study aimed to demonstrate the usefulness of a surgical technique using the free vertical latissimus dorsi flap (FvLDF) for tongue reconstructions using autologous tissue. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among patients who underwent total glossectomy for tongue cancer from November 2014 to February 2023, we selected 10 patients who underwent immediate tongue reconstruction with a radial free forearm flap (RFFF) or free anterolateral thigh flap and four patients who underwent FvLDF. The patients were compared regarding postoperative function (width of oropharyngeal space in computed tomography, language-speech evaluation), aesthetic results, and features. RESULTS: All four patients who underwent FvLDF showed successful flap survival, with no severe complications. Because vertical incision was made during flap harvest with primary closure possible with the mid-axillary line, donor morbidity was significantly lower in patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF than in those who underwent reconstruction with RFFF, and good aesthetic results were obtained. In comparing the oropharyngeal space of patients on neck CT preoperatively and postoperatively, the width increase rate of patients who underwent reconstruction with FvLDF was significantly smaller. FvLDF patients demonstrated good speech and swallowing functions. CONCLUSION: Considering the advantages of reconstruction with FvLDF in terms of features and aesthetic results, this surgical technique may be a reliable alternative technique for tongue defects after glossectomy.

Catastrophic rhabdomyolysis following breast reconstruction operation using an abdominal flap: a case report.

Background: Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially fatal clinical syndrome resulting from the damage or breakdown of skeletal muscle, which can also lead to permanent disabilities. Based on our review of studies on rhabdomyolysis after prolonged surgeries, no other cases of rhabdomyolysis caused by muscle injury in the buttock area following breast reconstruction have been reported, making the current report the first to share information related to patient conditions and treatment progress in such cases. Case Description: Here, we present the case of a 57-year-old Asian patient with left breast cancer. We performed immediate breast reconstruction using a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels after a skin-sparing mastectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The surgery exceeded the estimated time because, after anastomosis, severe congestion was observed in the flap and because of the need to perform re-anastomosis and the reconstruction of the internal mammary vein twice. The surgical team eventually re-performed the breast reconstruction using a contralateral pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. The patient underwent breast reconstruction in a sitting position to ensure a symmetrical and natural breast shape resembling its original state. Additionally, a brown splint was placed underneath both legs to keep the hip and knees flexed to ensure donor-site closure when using an abdominal-based flap. The patient was closely monitored in the early postoperative period. On postoperative day (POD) 3, patient developed hypotension and was deemed to have experienced a hypovolemic shock. A complete laboratory workup was performed, and a rhabdomyolysis diagnosis was made based on the laboratory results. We believe that rhabdomyolysis resulted from prolonged pressure on the large gluteus maximus muscle located below the site of the pressure sore in the present patient. Conclusions: Postoperative rhabdomyolysis often results from prolonged surgery. Given the possibility of prolonged procedure time in patients undergoing breast reconstruction, the current case emphasizes the need to identify each patient's risk factors for rhabdomyolysis and prepare for possible rhabdomyolysis to prevent ischemic injuries and reduce the risk of complications such as hypovolemic shock.

Boomerang latissimus dorsi flap in immediate or delayed breast reconstruction.

Background: Breast reconstruction using the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap is one of the most popular and common breast reconstruction techniques among Asian patients. There are increasing numbers of cases wherein breasts need to be reconstructed to moderate to large sizes among the Asian population. Most reconstructive surgeons use abdominal-based flaps-such as the deep inferior epigastric perforator and transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, or LD flap with an implant-to supplement the volume. Here, we compare the usefulness of the boomerang LD (bLD) flap-a technique developed by modifying the design of the conventional extended LD flap-with that of the LD flap with implant (LDi). Methods: This was a prospective cohort study including patients with breast cancer aged between 25 and 60 years who underwent unilateral total or skin/nipple-sparing mastectomy, or postmastectomy. The exclusion criteria were advanced breast cancer (stages 3 and 4); a history of cognitive impairment affecting ability to complete the self-reported questionnaire; a history of neurologic or musculoskeletal disorder; and a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Statistical analysis was performed, and correlations between the two technique types were analyzed [including age, body mass index, preoperative breast volume, operation time, flap elevation time, admission duration, adjuvant treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy), drain indwelling duration, and drain total sum volume]. Results: In total, 85 patients who underwent immediate breast construction through the LDi group (n=63) or bLD group (n=25) techniques after total mastectomy between January 2015 and June 2022 were analyzed (mean age: LDi group, 46±7.7 years; bLD group, 45.6±7.8 years). We observed that the flap weight, operative time, mean admission duration, and drain indwelling duration were statistically significantly different in the bLD group (P<0.05). Body mass index, preoperative breast volume, specimen weight, flap elevation time, and drain total time were comparable between groups. Conclusions: Breast reconstruction using the bLD flap was found to be a suitable alternative technique for patients who desire an autologous tissue transfer (rather than an implant) but are contraindicated for abdominal-based flaps and do not mind long postoperative scars.

A Comparison Study of Nipple-Areolar Complex Measurement: Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Camera Versus Photometry.

BACKGROUND: In breast surgery, achieving esthetic outcomes with symmetry is crucial. The nipple-areolar complex (NAC) plays a significant role in breast characteristic measurement. Various technologies have advanced measurement techniques, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology using three-dimensional scanning has been introduced in engineering. Increasing effort has been exerted to integrate such technologies into the medical field. This study focused on measuring NAC using a LiDAR camera, comparing it with traditional methods, and aimed to establish the clinical utility of LiDAR for obtaining favorable esthetic results. METHODS: A total of 44 patients, who underwent breast reconstruction surgery, and 65 NACs were enrolled. Measurements were taken (areolar width [AW], nipple width [NW] and nipple projection [NP]) using traditional methods (ruler and photometry) and LiDAR camera. To assess correlations and explore clinical implications, patient demographics and measurement values were collected. RESULTS: NAC measurements using a periscope and LiDAR methods were compared and correlated. LiDAR measurement accuracy was found to be high, with values above 95% for AW, NW and NP. Significant positive correlations were observed between measurements obtained through both methods for all parameters. When comparing body mass index, breast volume with AW and NW with NP, significant correlations were observed. These findings demonstrate the reliability and utility of LiDAR-based measurements in NAC profile assessment and provide valuable insights into the relationship between patient demographics and NAC parameters. CONCLUSIONS: LiDAR-based measurements are effective and can replace classical methods in NAC anthropometry, contributing to consistent and favorable esthetic outcomes in breast surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors https://www.springer.com/00266 .

A nationwide cohort study on incidence and mortality associated with extracranial vascular malformations.

Extracranial vascular malformations are abnormal formations of blood vessels located outside the brain (extracranial) that develop during fetal development. They are caused by errors in the formation of blood vessels in the embryo and can affect various parts of the body, such as the head, neck, face, and other regions. Some malformations may be asymptomatic and only require monitoring, while others may cause significant health issues or cosmetic concerns and may need medical intervention. There are very few studies have investigated the nationwide incidence and quantitative mortality of vascular malformations in terms of their subtypes. Thus, this study aimed to determine the nationwide incidence and mortality associated with vascular malformations. This nationwide population-based study evaluated 70,517 patients with vascular malformations from 2008 to 2021. We evaluated the incidence and mortality associated with each subtype of vascular malformation. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between vascular malformation and mortality. The annual incidence (per 100,000 population) of overall vascular, venous, capillary, arteriovenous, and lymphatic malformations was 9.85, 1.48, 2.31, 0.24, and 5.82 cases, respectively. Patients with vascular malformations, except those with venous malformations, had higher mortality than the matched controls. Moreover, among the vascular malformation subgroups, the adjusted hazard ratio of mortality was the highest for arteriovenous malformations. This study revealed that the overall annual incidence of vascular malformations was 9.85 cases per 100,000 population in Korea from 2008 to 2021. The mortality of the matched general population was lower than that of patients with vascular malformations, except for those with venous malformations. Additionally, the adjusted hazard ratio for mortality associated with arteriovenous malformations was the highest among the vascular malformation subgroups.

Treatment of Sagittal Fracture of the Zygomatic Arch Root.

A sagittal fracture at the temporal root of the zygomatic arch (ZAR) often occurs as a component of zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. However, this area is difficult to access, and anchorage is limited due to the unstable structure around it. Therefore, a preauricular approach using single-screw fixation is proposed, and this study reports its results and usefulness. Forty-four patients with sagittal fractures of ZAR occurring with ZMC fractures were evaluated from 2012 to 2021. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed on all patients with ZMC fractures. Closed reduction using Dingman incision and external finger pressure in group A (indirect approach; 30 patients) and single-screw fixation using a preauricular approach in group B (direct approach; 14 patients) were performed to address sagittal fractures in ZAR. For single-screw fixation, the additional mean operation time was 11.34±3.25 minutes. On postoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography and plain radiographs, group B showed more accurate reduction and less deformity and trismus ( P <0.05). Moreover, a normal diet was initiated more quickly in group B than in group A ( P <0.05). Some cases in group A showed nonunion or malunion. This study revealed that a direct approach (group B) toward sagittal fractures of ZAR is recommended due to more accurate results and fewer complications than those observed with the indirect approach (group A). Moreover, the total operation time and complications may be lesser than those with the bicoronal approach.

Prognosis of Performing Split-Rib Bone Graft for Cranial Bone Defects.

BACKGROUND: Frontal sinus anterior wall defects occur because of various diseases, causing not only aesthetic problems, such as forehead bulging and upper eyelid ptosis, but also exerting physical pressure on the brain or optic nerve. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of performing split-rib bone graft for frontal sinus anterior wall defects. METHODS: This study included 30 patients who received a split-rib bone graft for a frontal sinus anterior wall defect. The sizes and volumes of the defects and grafts were measured using three-dimensional computed tomography before, after, and every 6 months for 2 years after the surgery. The Medical Imaging Interaction Toolkit was used for analysis. RESULTS: The average size and volume of the grafts were 27.29 cm 2 and 5.88 cm 3 , whereas they were 23.76 cm 2 and 4.80 cm 3 at 24 months after surgery, respectively. In a graft size and volume of less than 27 cm 2 and 6 cm 3 , respectively, the rate of graft take was greater than 80% during long-term observation. The younger the age, the higher the rate of graft take. No difference was found in the defect causes. Absorption occurred for up to 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Frontal bone defect reconstruction revealed the stable results of the split-rib bone graft over a long period when the size and volume were less than 27 cm 2 and 6 cm 3 , respectively. Furthermore, bone resorption was seen in more than 20% to 30% of the patients, and the rate of resorption increased with age; thus, it is appropriate to consider overcorrection and other reconstruction methods. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Waist Circumference and Cardiovascular Risk Profiles after Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

To date, few studies have examined changes in waist circumference and cardiovascular risk profile (CVRP) after autologous breast reconstruction. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of flap surgery using autologous tissue on waist circumference and CVRP through a nationwide population-based cohort study. In total, 6926 patients who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2015 and 2019 were considered. Of them, we evaluated 3444 patients who underwent the complete Korean National Health Insurance Service Health Screening (NHIS-HealS) before and after surgery. Body measurements, including waist circumference, weight, and body mass index; and CVRP, including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, were analyzed by type of surgery up to 3-4 years postoperatively. The body measurements of patients who underwent abdominal-based breast reconstruction were reduced 1-2 years after surgery, but returned to preoperative values 3-4 years after surgery. Regardless of the type of surgery, CVRP was worsened at both 1-2 years and 3-4 years after surgery, except for low-density lipoprotein values. Autologous breast reconstruction did not ameliorate the deterioration of CVRP over time. In addition, the abdominoplasty effect of abdominal-based breast reconstruction disappeared 1-2 years after surgery.

Anatomical View of Thoracodorsal Artery Variants Using Computed Tomography Angiography.

BACKGROUND: The latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle has a dominant pedicle with one thoracodorsal artery and receives sufficient blood by segmental circulation through several perforators. Thus, it is widely used in various reconstructive surgeries. We are reporting on the patterns of the thoracodorsal artery analyzed by chest computed tomography (CT) angiography. METHODS: We analyzed the preoperative chest CT angiography results of 350 patients scheduled to undergo LD flap breast reconstruction following complete mastectomy for breast cancer between October 2011 and October 2020. RESULTS: A total of 700 blood vessels were classified according to the Kyungpook National University Plastic Surgery-Thoracodorsal Artery (KNUPS-TDA) classification: 388 (185 right and 203 left), 126 (64 right and 62 left), 91 (49 right and 42 left), 57 (27 right and 30 left), and 38 (25 right and 13 left) vessels were classified as type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V, respectively. Among 350 patients, 205 patients showed matching types for left and right vessels, whereas 145 patients showed mismatching types. For 205 patients with matching types, the distribution by type was 134, 30, 30, 7, and 4 patients with type I, type II, type III, type IV, and type V, respectively. For 145 patients with mismatching types, the distribution by different combinations was 48, 25, 28, 19, 2, 9, 7, 3, 1, and 3 patients with type I + type II, type I + type III, type I + type IV, type I + type V, type II + type III, type II + type IV, type II + type V, type III + type IV, type III + type V, and type IV + type V, respectively. CONCLUSION: While there is some diversity in the vascular anatomical structures of the LD flap, the dominant vessel can be found in a similar location in almost all cases and no flap had absence of a dominant vessel. Therefore, in surgical procedures using the thoracodorsal artery as the pedicle, preoperative radiological confirmation is not absolutely necessary; however, due to variants, performing the surgery with an understanding of this aspect should lead to good outcomes.

Effectiveness of immediate fixation after cranial distraction osteogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is an established safe and effective treatment of craniosynostosis (CS) deformities. However, conventional methods demonstrate some complications, such as long-term maintenance of the distractor and relapse after distractor removal. Only a few studies have overcome these limitations. Therefore, we hypothesized that placing a resorbable plate after removing the distractor will provide additional stability to the newly formed bone, shortening the consolidation period and minimizing relapse. METHODS: Twenty-six children diagnosed with CS who underwent DO between 2000 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A resorbable plate was fixed across the regenerated bone when distractors were removed. The consolidation period and complication rate were obtained from medical records, and both two- and three-dimensional analyses were performed to obtain relapse rate and brain volume changes using three-dimensional computed tomography. RESULTS: Among 26 patients, the average consolidation period was 90.75±23.75 days in the conventional group (n = 11) and 22.77±8.69 days in the intervention group (n = 15). In the two-dimensional analysis, the relapse rate was lower in the intervention group. Moreover, in the three-dimensional analysis, the relapse rate of unilateral CS between the affected and unaffected sides was lower in the intervention group. The conventional group had more complications (skin defect and distractor exposure). CONCLUSION: Resorbable plate placement after distractor removal helps shorten the consolidation period and prevent relapse in pediatric patients with cranial DO. It reduces complications and shows stable results in terms of cranial morphology and symmetric brain growth in patients with CS.

Advances in the development of tubular structures using extrusion-based 3D cell-printing technology for vascular tissue regenerative applications.

Until recent, there are no ideal small diameter vascular grafts available on the market. Most of the commercialized vascular grafts are used for medium to large-sized blood vessels. As a solution, vascular tissue engineering has been introduced and shown promising outcomes. Despite these optimistic results, there are limitations to commercialization. This review will cover the need for extrusion-based 3D cell-printing technique capable of mimicking the natural structure of the blood vessel. First, we will highlight the physiological structure of the blood vessel as well as the requirements for an ideal vascular graft. Then, the essential factors of 3D cell-printing including bioink, and cell-printing system will be discussed. Afterwards, we will mention their applications in the fabrication of tissue engineered vascular grafts. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives will be discussed.

Useful Reduction Mammoplasty Technique in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery and Reconstruction.

Background: A combination of the reduction mammoplasty technique and breast reconstruction allows surgeons to lift ptotic breasts through local flaps and skin reduction during surgery for breast cancer. This study presents a reliable course for the combination of partial and skin or nipple-sparing mastectomy with reduction-reconstruction surgery. Methods: Fifty-seven patients underwent a partial mastectomy before reduction mammoplasty of both breasts during the same time period between 2014 and 2021 at our institution and thirteen patients underwent skin or nipple-sparing mastectomy, breast reconstruction with an extended latissimus dorsi flap or silicone implant, and aesthetic reduction mammoplasty of the contralateral breast during the same time period. Additional photos were obtained preoperatively, immediately after the operation, and at one, three, six, and twelve months postoperatively. Patient satisfaction was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively and postoperative complications were noted. Results: Among the patients who underwent a partial mastectomy, the mean age was 45.18 ± 11.05 years, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.74 ± 3.53 kg/m2, and the mean preoperative right and left breast volumes were 663.85 (±28.12) cc and 664.34 (±37.13) cc, respectively, and the mean excised mass weight was 177.74 (±213.93) g. Among the patients who underwent a skin-sparing mastectomy, the mean age was 51.62 ± 8.96 years, the mean BMI was 26.91 ± 4.34 kg/m2, and the mean preoperative right and left breast volumes were 624.17 (±98.52) cc and 562.31 (±80.81) cc, respectively, and the mean excised mass weight was 618.05 (±338.17) g. Four patients (5.3%) in the partial mastectomy group had fat necrosis. The mean patient satisfaction score was higher postoperatively in both groups. Conclusion: Patients with breast cancer and large and/or ptotic breasts can successfully undergo reduction mammoplasty for both breasts immediately following partial mastectomy and nipple or skin-sparing mastectomy.

Deep Learning for the Automatic Segmentation of Extracranial Venous Malformations of the Head and Neck from MR Images Using 3D U-Net.

BACKGROUND: It is difficult to characterize extracranial venous malformations (VMs) of the head and neck region from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manually and one at a time. We attempted to perform the automatic segmentation of lesions from MRI of extracranial VMs using a convolutional neural network as a deep learning tool. METHODS: T2-weighted MRI from 53 patients with extracranial VMs in the head and neck region was used for annotations. Preprocessing management was performed before training. Three-dimensional U-Net was used as a segmentation model. Dice similarity coefficients were evaluated along with other indicators. RESULTS: Dice similarity coefficients in 3D U-Net were found to be 99.75% in the training set and 60.62% in the test set. The models showed overfitting, which can be resolved with a larger number of objects, i.e., MRI VM images. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study showed sufficient potential for the automatic segmentation of extracranial VMs through deep learning using MR images from VM patients. The overfitting phenomenon observed will be resolved with a larger number of MRI VM images.