Amplitude of movements with conical or spherical implants in anophthalmic socket.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the amplitude of movement in anophthalmic sockets reconstructed with conical or spherical orbital implants with and without an external ocular prosthesis (EOP), and whether the fornix depth could play a role. METHODS: Prospective observational study involving unilateral anophthalmic sockets evaluated the amplitude of movement with conical (20 subjects) or spherical (16) non-porous orbital implants, with and without an EOP, having the contralateral eye as the control group. Standardized photographs were obtained in the four gaze directions and measurements were performed using the Image J software. The upper and lower fornix depths were measured using rulers. RESULTS: Compared to the contralateral eye, the median movement amplitude without EOP was smaller with conical implants in supraduction (-0.88 mm, p=0.008), abduction (-2.26 mm, p<0.001) and adduction (-0.91 mm, p=0.008). Spherical implants had reduced movement only in abduction (-2.63 mm, p<0.001). Conical and spherical implants had similar amplitudes of movement in all versions, and were always smaller compared to the control. The median movement amplitude with the EOP was -3.05 mm (p=0.001) than without the EOP in abduction and -2.07 mm (p=0.020) in adduction, regardless of implant format. The fornix depth did not affect the orbital implants or EOP movement amplitude's median. CONCLUSION: Conical and spherical implants provide similar amplitude of movement and fornix depth did not have an influence on it. The amplitude of movement was significantly limited compared to the contralateral eye and was even more reduced if the EOP was in place with conical or spherical implant formats.

Patient-specific finite element models of the human mandible: Lack of consensus on current set-ups.

The use of finite element analysis (FEA) has increased rapidly over the last decennia and has become a popular tool to design implants, osteosynthesis plates and prostheses. With increasing computer capacity and the availability of software applications, it has become easier to employ the FEA. However, there seems to be no consensus on the input variables that should be applied to representative FEA models of the human mandible. This review aims to find a consensus on how to define the representative input factors for a FEA model of the human mandible. A literature search carried out in the PubMed and Embase database resulted in 137 matches. Seven papers were included in this current study. Within the search results, only a few FEA models had been validated. The material properties and FEA approaches varied considerably, and the available validations are not strong enough for a general consensus. Further validations are required, preferably using the same measuring workflow to obtain insight into the broad array of mandibular variations. A lot of work is still required to establish validated FEA settings and to prevent assumptions when it comes to FEA applications.

Novel finite element-based plate design for bridging mandibular defects: Reducing mechanical failure.

INTRODUCTION: When the application of a free vascularised flap is not possible, a segmental mandibular defect is often reconstructed using a conventional reconstruction plate. Mechanical failure of such reconstructions is mostly caused by plate fracture and screw pull-out. This study aims to develop a reliable, mechanically superior, yet slender patient-specific reconstruction plate that reduces failure due to these causes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eight patients were included in the study. Indications were as follows: fractured reconstruction plate (2), loosened screws (1) and primary reconstruction of a mandibular continuity defect (5). Failed conventional reconstructions were studied using finite element analysis (FEA). A 3D virtual surgical plan (3D-VSP) with a novel patient-specific (PS) titanium plate was developed for each patient. Postoperative CBCT scanning was performed to validate reconstruction accuracy. RESULTS: All PS plates were placed accurately according to the 3D-VSP. Mean 3D screw entry point deviation was 1.54 mm (SD: 0.85, R: 0.10-3.19), and mean screw angular deviation was 5.76° (SD: 3.27, R: 1.26-16.62). FEA indicated decreased stress and screw pull-out inducing forces. No mechanical failures appeared (mean follow-up: 16 months, R: 7-29). CONCLUSION: Reconstructing mandibular continuity defects with bookshelf-reconstruction plates with FEA underpinning the design seems to reduce the risk of screw pull-out and plate fractures.

Patient-reported effect in patients receiving implant or tooth-supported fixed prosthesis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the patient-reported effect of treatment with implant-supported fixed prosthesis (ISFP) and fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) in patients with a small number of tooth losses to replace. METHODS: From a population of 155 patients receiving either ISFP or FDP, 68 patients were matched in pairs based on gender, number of teeth replaced, zone of replacement, age and number of remaining teeth. The patient-reported effect was prospectively obtained by measuring change in the short-form oral health impact (OHIP-14) from before to one month after treatment. Effect size (ES), standardised response mean (SRM) and a minimal important difference of two units were applied to estimate the magnitude of the change. RESULTS: Both the ISFP and FDP groups decreased significantly in OHIP-14 after treatment (P < .01). The change was not significantly different between the ISFP and FDP groups. The magnitude of the change was for both treatments moderate and slightly higher in the ISFP group (ES = 0.52 and SRM = 0.58) than in the FDP group (ES = 0.48 and SRM = 0.47). Applying the minimal important difference showed that 23 participants in the ISFP group and 21 in the FDP group had good effect. CONCLUSIONS: The patient-reported effect of treatment with ISFP or FDP was similar, clinically meaningful and of moderate magnitude in patients with a small number tooth losses to replace.

Mechanical failure rates of artificial urinary sphincter components: Is the 3.5-cm urethral cuff at higher risk?

AIM: We report the rates of artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) mechanical failure in a contemporary cohort of patients stratified by component type and size to determine if the 3.5-cm cuff is at higher risk of failure. METHODS: From 2005-2016, a total of 486 male patients with stress incontinence underwent implantation or revision of an AUS. 993 individual cases were retrospectively reviewed (465 primary placements and 528 revisions). Components were separately tallied and cases of mechanical failure were identified. Multiple variables including duration until failure and follow-up interval were collected and analyzed for each malfunction. RESULTS: After median follow-up of 31.5 months, there were 48 distinct cases of mechanical failure. The urethral cuff was the most common component to fail (n = 27, 56.3%), followed by the pressure regulating balloon (PRB) (n = 6, 12.5%), tubing (n = 6, 12.5%), and the control pump, (n = 5, 10.4%). Four (8.3%) cases did not have the source of malfunction identifiable in available records though fluid loss was evident at the time of device interrogation. Sub-analyses of cuff failure events showed that the 3.5-cm cuff had a statistically significant higher risk of failure (HR: 7.313, (P < .0001) compared to larger cuff sizes. CONCLUSIONS: While each component is prone to malfunction, our study suggests that the 3.5-cm urethral cuff is more susceptible to failure and failure events occur earlier after placement than larger cuff sizes.

Troubleshooting Interstim Sacral Neuromodulation Generators to Recover Function.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is being used to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with growing popularity among clinicians in multiple specialties. As this therapy becomes more common in the USA and Europe, urologists will encounter more patients implanted with SNM generators. RECENT FINDINGS: Over time, it has recently been understood that up to 53% will develop pain at the implant site as reported by Groen et al. (J Urol 186:954, 2011) and 3-38% will lose effective stimulation as reported by Al-zahrani et al. (J Urol 185:981, 2011) and White et al. (Urology 73:731, 2009). There is a paucity of troubleshooting methodology in the literature, apart from revision surgery, to salvage the SNM generator. In fact, it has been suggested that one contemporary series' failure rate is lower than some historic series because of the ability to reprogram devices as reported by Siegel et al. (J Urol 199:229, 2018). Standard algorithms for such reprogramming efforts are lacking in the literature and may salvage some patients otherwise destined for surgical revision or addition of multimodal therapy to achieve acceptable symptom control. It is possible to troubleshoot and thereby salvage many SNM generators, saving patients from surgical revision in many cases and increasing the number of patients with persistent benefit from SNM. The algorithms presented in this manuscript represent a systematic strategy for reprogramming and troubleshooting SNM generators.

[Application of multi-functional modularized prosthesis in reconstruction for sternal defect].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of sternal reconstruction using a multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system. Methods: In June 2016 and August 2017, the modularized sternal prosthesis system was used on two patients for sternal reconstruction in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University. Both patients were female aging 48 and 72 years, respectively, with the primary diagnosis of tumor of the lower sternal body and huge mediastinal tumor. Partial sternal resection and reconstruction was performed through median sternotomy. The multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system consisted of manubium, superior sternal body, inferior sternal body, rib and clavicle modules. Each module was designed into 3 to 6 sizes. Appropriate modules were chosen in each case to be assembled as a sternal reconstruction prosthesis. Results: Both operation were smooth, with operation time of 240 minutes and 280 minutes, intraoperative blood loss of 100 ml and 400 ml. The patients were followed up for 18 months and 4 months, respectively. In both cases, the sternal reconstruction was satisfactorily healed, without local infection, fluid accumulation, loose part or dislocation. No local recurrence or distant metastasis was found. Conclusion: The multi-functional modularized sternal reconstruction system can be safely and effectively applied for sternal reconstruction in 2 cases.

A systematic review on skin complications of bone-anchored hearing aids in relation to surgical techniques.

A systematic review to study the skin complications associated with the bone-anchored hearing aid in relation to surgical techniques. The following databases have been searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library , Google scholar and the PubMed. The literature search date was from January 1977 until November 2013. Randomised controlled trials and retrospective studies were included. Initial search identified 420 publications. Thirty articles met the inclusion criteria of this review. The most common surgical techniques identified were full-thickness skin graft, Dermatome and linear incision techniques. The result shows that dermatome technique is associated with higher rate of skin complications when compared to linear incision and skin graft techniques. Based on the available literature, the use of a linear incision technique appears to be associated with lower skin complications; however, there is limited data available supporting this. Higher quality studies would allow a more reliable comparison between the surgical techniques.

Variation of Practice in Prophylactic Protocol to Reduce Prosthetic Joint Infection in Primary Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A National Survey in the United Kingdom.

Purpose: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) has an enormous physiological and psychological burden on patients. Surgeons rightly wish to minimise this risk. It has been shown that a standardised, evidence-based approach to perioperative care leads to better patient outcomes. A review of current practice was conducted using a cross-sectional survey among surgeons at multiple centers nationwide. Materials and Methods: An 11-question electronic survey was circulated to hip and knee arthroplasty consultants nationally via the BOA (British Orthopaedic Association) e-newsletter. Results: The respondents included 56 consultants working across 19 different trusts. Thirty-four (60.7%) screen patients for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) preoperatively, with 19 (55.9%) would treating with antibiotics. Fifty-six (100%) screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and treat if positive. Only 15 (26.8%) screen for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) or empirically eradicate. Zero (0%) routinely catheterise patients perioperatively. Forty-one (73.2%) would give intramuscular or intravenous gentamicin for a perioperative catheterisation. All surgeons use laminar flow theatres. Twenty-six (46.4%) use only an impervious gown, 6 (10.7%) exhaust pipes, and 24 (42.3%) surgical helmet system. Five different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens are used 9 (16.1%) cefuroxime, 2 (3.6%) flucloxacillin, 19 (33.9%) flucloxacillin and gentamicin, 10 (17.9%) teicoplanin, 16 (28.6%) teicoplanin and gentamicin. Twenty-two (39.3%) routinely give further doses. Conclusion: ASB screening, treatment and intramuscular gentamicin for perioperative catheterisation is routinely practiced despite no supporting evidence base. MSSA screening and treatment is underutilised. Multiple antibiotic regimens exist despite little variation in organisms in PJI. Practice varies between surgeons and centers, we should all be practicing evidence-based medicine.

Hand Transplants, Daily Functioning, and the Human Capacity for Limb Regeneration.

Unlike some of our invertebrate and vertebrate cousins with the capacity to regenerate limbs after traumatic loss, humans do not have the ability to regrow arms or legs lost to injury or disease. For the millions of people worldwide who have lost a limb after birth, the primary route to regaining function and minimizing future complications is via rehabilitation, prosthetic devices, assistive aids, health system robustness, and social safety net structures. The majority of limbs lost are lower limbs (legs), with diabetes and vascular disorders being significant causal contributors. Upper limbs (arms) are lost primarily because of trauma; digits and hands are the most common levels of loss. Even if much of the arm remains intact, upper limb amputation significantly impacts function, largely due to the loss of the hand. Human hands are marvels of evolution and permit a dexterity that enables a wide variety of function not readily replaced by devices. It is not surprising, therefore, for some individuals, dissatisfaction with available prosthetic options coupled with remarkable advances in hand surgery techniques is resulting in patients undertaking the rigors of a hand transplantation. While not "regeneration" in the sense of the enviable ability with which Axolotls can replace a lost limb, hand transplants do require significant regeneration of tissues and nerves. Regaining sophisticated hand functions also depends on "reconnecting" the donated hand with the areas of the human brain responsible for the sensory and motor processing required for complex actions. Human hand transplants are not without controversy and raise interesting challenges regarding the human regenerative capacity and the status of transplants for enabling function. More investigation is needed to address medical and ethical questions prior to expansion of hand transplants to a wider patient population.

The usefulness of patient-specific 3D nasal silicone implant using 3D design and order form.

PURPOSE: The need for customized implants has continuously increased, but patient-specific silicone implants are not yet commonly used in the plastic surgery market. We sought to validate the effectiveness of a 3D customized nasal implant design in terms of design and lead time compared with a manually customized implant by a surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the computed tomography (CT) findings of 15 patients who planned rhinoplasty, a surgeon wrote order forms reflecting the surgical plan and subsequently designed implants manually using epoxy on a 3D printed skull. Separately, engineers analyzed the CT findings and designed 3D implants based on the order forms. RESULTS: Epoxy designs were 3D-scanned, converted into a stereolithography format and compared with 3D implant designs to assess which method had a smaller margin of error as per the preoperative order form. Moreover, the lead time in all steps are compared. Nasion thickness, tip thickness, glabella starting point, glabella width, radix width, and total volume were comparatively analyzed. In all parameters, the error rate of the 3D design is relatively lower than that of the epoxy design. The former also had a lower total volume and a faster manufacturing time. CONCLUSION: With novel 3D customized nasal implants, the limitations of ready-made silicone implants are addressed, and it is now possible to preoperatively design implants more accurately, quickly, and conveniently.

Risk Factors Related to Poor Outcomes in the Treatment of Non-conventional Periprosthetic Infection.

Objectives To identify the main risk factors related to poor outcomes after the treatment for periprosthetic infection. Materials and Methods Medical records from 109 patients who underwent non-conventional endoprosthesis surgeries (primary and revision procedures) from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2018, were retrospectively evaluated. In total, 15 patients diagnosed with periprosthetic infection were eligible to participate in the study. Variables including gender, age at diagnosis, affected bone, surgery duration, white blood cell (WBC) count before endoprosthesis placement, urinary tract infection during the first postoperative year, and time elapsed from endoprosthesis placement to infection diagnosis were related to outcomes using the Fisher exact test (for the bicategorical variables) or analysis of variance (ANOVA, for the tricategorical variables). The mean times from diagnosis to final outcome were compared using the Student t -test. Results These risk factors did not show a statistically significant correlation with the outcomes. The data revealed a trend towards a difference between the mean time for the onset of infection and the final outcome. Due to the limited sample, we believe that studies with larger cohorts can prove this trend. Conclusion We identified that the time from endoprosthesis placement to the onset of the symptoms of infection tends to be related to the outcome and evolution of the patient evolution during the treatment for periprosthetic infection. Although apparently correlated, other associated factors were not statistically linked to poor treatment outcomes.

Endovascular Treatment of Coarctation of the Aorta with a Self-Expanding Endoprosthesis: How I Do It Using the Braile Dominus® Coarctation Aorta Device.

The coarctation of the aorta is a relatively highly prevalent congenital heart disease and may be diagnosed as an underline cause of hypertension in adolescents and adults. The gold standard treatment for coarctation of the aorta in these patients is being replaced - from open surgery to endovascular therapy. Some prostheses have been developed to treat the coarctation with less acute and chronic complications. The Dominus® Coarctation Aorta (Braile Biomédica) is the first self-expandable prosthesis created specifically to treat coarctation of the aorta, reducing possible acute complications, like aortic rupture or aortic dissection. Here, we discuss the step-by-step method for using this prosthesis.

Predictability and Feasibility of Total Alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint Reconstruction using DARSN TM Joint Prosthesis for patients in Indian subcontinent-A prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a custom made alloplastic Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) device design in patients undergoing temporomandibular (TM) Total Joint Reconstruction (TJR). OBJECTIVE: TMJ disease with functional and anatomic distortion dictates the need for TJR. There are various materials to reconstruct a TMJ. However, various factors, such as cost, availability of prosthetic joint, limit its use to tertiary health care center. Hence, we have investigated the feasibility and efficacy of the custom made alloplastic TMJ prosthesis (DARSN TM Joint Prosthesis) with the advantage of being acceptable financially and the overall Quality of life (QoL) diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis and End Stage Joint Disease (ESJD) selected from the study population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised of 20 patients with TMJ ankylosis or End Stage Joint Disease (ESJD) who needed TM TJR of which few subjects in the study population had history of failed previous surgery to the TMJ region. The patients underwent resection of the joint followed by TJR using the custom made alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. Various subjective and objective variables were evaluated such as the Jaw Function (JF), Inter-incisal opening (IO), Diet intake (DI), Quality of Life (QoL) using a Psychometric Modified Likert Scale and nutritional status of the patient using the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as reference. RESULTS: All the subjective and objective variables showed significant improvement in the postoperative period as compared to the preoperative period. The JF score increased with a mean score of 6.25 (P<0.00001). Postoperative mean DI score was 3.15 (P<0.00001) and IO increased up to 29-38mm in 95% of the study population. The study population exhibited an improved overall QoL and nutritional status post-operatively. Follow up period of 1 year showed significant functional improvement among the study population. CONCLUSION: The results shows that the custom made alloplastic joint replacement is safe and effective and reliable alternative to treat patients with TMJ disease which restricts the normal function to a greater degree requiring TM TJR.

Silicone Implant-Based Paranasal Augmentation for Mild Midface Concavity.

BACKGROUND: Midface concavity is a relatively common facial feature in East Asian populations. Paranasal augmentation is becoming an increasingly popular procedure for patients with mild concavity and normal occlusion. In this study, we evaluate clinical outcomes following a series of paranasal augmentation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for patients with Class I occlusion who had undergone bilateral paranasal augmentation using custom-made silicone implants, between October 2005 and September 2013. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic information, concomitant operations, and postoperative complications. Preoperative and postoperative (1-month) photographs were used to evaluate operative outcome. RESULTS: The review identified a total of 93 patients meeting study criteria. Overall, aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Five-millimeter thick silicone implant was used in 81 cases, and the mean augmentation was 4.26 mm for this thickness. Among the 93 patients, 2 patients required immediate implant removal due to discomfort. An additional 3 patients experienced implant migration without any extrusion. Nine patients complained of transient paresthesia, which had resolved by 2 weeks. There were no cases of hematoma or infection. All patients reported improvement in their lateral profile and were pleased at follow-up. Complications that arose postoperatively included 9 cases of numbness in the upper lip and 3 cases of implant migration. All cases yielded satisfactory results without persisting complications. Sensations were fully restored postoperatively after 1 to 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Paranasal augmentation with custom-made silicone implants is a simple, safe, and inexpensive method that can readily improve the lateral profile of a patient with normal occlusion. When combined with other aesthetic procedures, paranasal augmentation can synergistically improve outcome and lead to greater patient satisfaction.

Impact of tooth loss due to periodontal disease on the prognosis of rehabilitation

Abstract When periodontal disease is diagnosed, it is difficult to predict the clinical response of treatment of a tooth over time because the result of treatment is affected by several factors and will depend on the maintenance and support of periodontal treatment. Rehabilitation with removable dental prostheses, fixed prostheses, and dental implants makes it possible to restore the function and esthetics of patients with tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The predictive factors of tooth loss in periodontitis patients should be assessed by dentists to inform their clinical decision-making during dental treatment planning. This will provide detailed individualized information and level of risk of patients considered suitable for dental rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the subject of "Impact of tooth loss due to periodontal disease on the prognosis of rehabilitation" and the effect of fixed, removable, and implant-supported prostheses in periodontal patients.

Endovascular treatment of coarctation of the aorta with a self-expanding endoprosthesis: how i do it using the braile dominus ® coarctation aorta device

Abstract The coarctation of the aorta is a relatively highly prevalent congenital heart disease and may be diagnosed as an underline cause of hypertension in adolescents and adults. The gold standard treatment for coarctation of the aorta in these patients is being replaced - from open surgery to endovascular therapy. Some prostheses have been developed to treat the coarctation with less acute and chronic complications. The Dominus® Coarctation Aorta (Braile Biomédica) is the first self-expandable prosthesis created specifically to treat coarctation of the aorta, reducing possible acute complications, like aortic rupture or aortic dissection. Here, we discuss the step-by-step method for using this prosthesis.

Successful use of Tenecteplase in a patient with recurrence of prosthetic mitral valve thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Tenecteplase can be a more effective and convenient alternative in treatment of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). CASE: We hereby present a case of the use of Tenecteplase for recurrence of mitral valve thrombosis in a patient who was brought as an emergency with breathing difficulty at rest. A single intravenous bolus of Tenecteplase relieved her symptoms dramatically within a few hours. This is in contradistinction to her earlier similar presentation with valve thrombosis a year back, when both streptokinase and urokinase had not worked. CONCLUSION: The use of Tenecteplase in PVT is reasonable, but needs more documentation. The therapeutic response was remarkable in our case. It is also better suited for recurrence of valve thrombosis as streptokinase cannot be used for a second time.

Prosthesis-socket volume imbalance and dermofat graft rehabilitation in patients with an anophthalmic socket / Os problemas causados pelo desequilíbrio do volume da cavidade da prótese, nos casos de cavidades anoftálmicas, e a sua reabilitação com o enxerto de dermofat

ABSTRACT Purposes: To identify problems caused by prosthesis-socket volume imbalances in anophthalmic sockets; and to evaluate rehabilitation with dermofat graft as a solution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients operated in our clinic (between May 2011 and June 2016) with dermofat grafts to treat anophthalmic socket-related problems. During the preoperative examinations, ophthalmologists recorded the presence of eyelid problems due to the socket volume deficit, upper and lower fornix deficiency, deepening in the upper eyelid sulcus, epiphora and secretion, lower eyelid laxity, ptosis, entropion, and ectropion. Following the surgical repair, new prosthesis suitable for the resulting socket area were implemented for all the patients. The mean follow-up period was 27.42±16 months (ranging from 10-62 months). On the last control examinations, ophthalmologists recorded solved and unsolved socket problems that were present preoperatively. Results: We included 16 men and 5 women in this study. The mean age was 38.3 ± 18.4 years (range, 5-75 years). The mean duration of preoperative prosthesis use was 9.4 ± 6.8 years (range, 1-30 years). Preoperatively, 7 patients had only orbital volume deficits, and 14 had socket volume displacements in addition to the volume deficits. After the dermofat graft implantations, the remaining deficits were corrected during another surgical session: 6 patients underwent ptosis corrections, 5 lateral canthal suspensions, 5 lower fornix with mucosal graft formations, and 2 upper fornix formations with mucosal grafts. All patients were able to use prosthesis postoperatively. Conclusion: The use of dermofat grafts to correct anophthalmic socket problems caused by orbital volume deficits or volume displacements is an effective, reliable, and reproducible surgical method.

RESUMO Objetivos: Identificar os problemas causados pelo desequilíbrio do volume da cavidade da prótese em cavidades anoftálmicas, e avaliar a reabilitação com enxerto de dermofato como solução. Métodos: Revisamos retrospectivamente os prontuários de pacientes operados em nossa clínica (entre maio de 2011 e junho de 2016) com enxertos de dermofato para tratar problemas relacionados a cavidades anoftálmicas. Durante os exames pré-operatórios, os oftalmologistas registraram a presença de problemas palpebrais devido ao déficit de volume, deficiência de fórnice superior e inferior, aprofundamento no sulco palpebral superior, a epífora e secreção, flacidez palpebral inferior, ptose, entrópio e ectrópio. Após a cirurgia, novas próteses adequadas para a área de encaixe foram implementadas em todos os pacientes. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 27,42 ± 16 meses (variando de 10 a 62 meses). Nos últimos exames de controle, os oftalmologistas registraram problemas corrigidos e não corrigidos da cavidade que estavam presentes no pré-operatório. Resultados: Foram incluídos 16 homens e 5 mulheres neste estudo. A média de idade foi de 38,3 ± 18,4 anos (variação de 5-75 anos). A duração média do uso de prótese pré-operatória foi de 9,4 ± 6,8 anos (variação de 1 a 30 anos). No pré-operatório, 7 pacientes apresentavam apenas déficit orbitais e 14 tinham desvios de volume, além dos déficits de volume. Após os implantes de enxerto de dermoadipação, os déficits remanescentes foram corrigidos durante outra sessão cirúrgica: 6 pacientes foram submetidos a correção de ptose, 5 suspensões de cantal lateral, 5 fórnix inferior com enxerto de mucosa e 2 formações de fórnice superior com enxerto de mucosa. Todos os pacientes foram capazes de usar prótese no pós-operatório. Conclusão: A utilização de enxertos de dermofato para corrigir problemas de anoftalmia causados por déficits de volume orbital ou deslocamento de volume é um método cirúrgico eficaz, confiável e reprodutível.

Development of a rabbit model for a preclinical comparison of coronary stent types in-vivo.

Along with the development of innovative stent designs, preclinical trials in animal models are essential. Many animal models have been used and appear to yield comparable results to clinical trials despite substantial criticisms about their validity. Among the animal models, porcine coronary artery models have been the standard models for the preclinical evaluation of endovascular devices. However, rapid growth rate, high body weight potential, and the propensity to develop granulomatous inflammatory reactions are major limitations of the porcine coronary artery model. Compared with porcine coronary artery models, the comparative rabbit iliac artery model has the advantages of being small and easy to handle and relatively inexpensive. Furthermore, the rabbit model has been known to reliably reflect human restenosis histopathologically and have major advantages such as pairwise comparison, which makes each animal serve as its own control subject, therefore, maximizing its statistical power for comparative testing. However, despite the widespread use of this model, a systematic description of the procedure and harvest protocols has never been published. This article describes the surgical procedure, stent implantation procedure, method for tissue harvesting, and how measurements are performed. Although the results of animal models may not perfectly extrapolate to humans, the comparative rabbit iliac artery model may be a useful tool for assessing and comparing the efficacy of new coronary stents with conventional stent systems. This thorough description of the techniques required for vascular access, stent implantation, tissue preparation, and measurement, should aid investigators wishing to begin using the comparative rabbit iliac artery model.