Prospective, Randomized, Comparative Study of the Cutaneous Effects of a Topical Body Treatment Compared to a Bland Moisturizer.

BACKGROUND: Over time human skin thins and loses elasticity; topical treatments attempt to reverse this process. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of TransFORM Body Treatment (TFB) in skin rejuvenation compared to a bland moisturizer on the extensor and volar forearms. METHODS: Blinded participants were given 2 products to apply on the designated forearms with follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Measurements included skin thickness, photography, dermatopathology, cutaneous elasticity determined by 2 different methods, and patient-reported outcomes. All were compared to baseline. RESULTS: Changes between bland moisturizer and TFB were recorded for the following parameters. (1) Roughness: extensor -0.09 mm for bland moisturizer and -0.26 mm for TFB (P = 0.174); volar 0.01 mm for bland moisturizer and -0.23 mm for TFB (P = 0.004). (2) Recoil velocity: volar -56°/sec for bland moisturizer and -24°/sec for TFB (P = 0.61); extensor -95°/sec for bland moisturizer and -63°/sec for TFB (P = 0.57). Retraction speed: volar -3.25 ms for bland moisturizer and -20.08 ms for TFB (P = 0.33); extensor -2.17 ms for bland moisturizer and -10.83 ms for TFB (P = 0.66). Histologically, TFB resulted in an increase in mucopolysaccharide content, new collagen, and number of elastin fibers in the papillary dermis. Changes in the Rao-Goldman score were also observed: volar -0.17 for bland moisturizer and -0.33 for TFB (P = 0.25); extensor -0.08 for bland moisturizer and -0.17 for TFB (P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: Histology showed production of new collagen and elastin. Quantification of changes in skin thickness, skin retraction speed, and skin recoil velocity showed trends that agree with the visual data.

A novel endovascular clip system for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: technology, concept, and initial experimental results. Laboratory investigation.

OBJECT: The authors describe a novel device for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, the endovascular clip system (eCLIPs). Descriptions of the device and its delivery system as well as the results of flow model tests and the treatment of experimental aneurysms are provided. METHODS: The eCLIPs comprises a flexible hybrid implantable device (an anchor and a covered leaf) and a balloon catheter delivery system, designed to be positioned and activated in the parent vessel in such a way that the covered portion will abut the aneurysm neck. The eCLIPs was subjected to testing in glass, elastomeric, and cadaveric flow models to determine its navigability, orientation, and activation compared with commercially available stents. In a second experiment, 8 carotid artery sidewall aneurysms in swine were treated using eCLIPs. The degree of occlusion was observed on angiography immediately following and 30 days after device activation, and a histological analysis was performed at 30 days. RESULTS: The device could navigate tortuous glass models and human cadaveric vessels. Compared with commercially available stents, the eCLIPs performed well. It could be navigated, oriented, and activated easily and reliably. With regard to the 8 porcine experimental aneurysms, immediate postactivation angiograms confirmed complete occlusion of 4 lesions and near occlusion of the other 4. Angiographic follow-up at 30 days postactivation showed occlusion of all 8 aneurysms and patency of all parent vessels. Histopathological analysis revealed aneurysm healing, with smooth-muscle cells growing across the lesion neck to allow reendothelialization. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysm occlusion with a single extrasaccular endovascular device has potential advantages. The authors believe that eCLIPs may prove to be a useful tool in the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The system should reduce risks associated with coiling, procedure time, costs, and radiation exposure. The device satisfactorily occluded 8 experimental sidewall aneurysms. The observed healing pattern is similar to that seen after microsurgical clipping.