A practical model of secondary lymphedema in dogs.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to B M O'Brien.
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13 mongrel puppies underwent at the age of 3-5 months epiphyseal transplantations of the distal part of the ulna. Some of these transplantants were immediately revascularized by microsurgical anastomosis, others were left without anastomosis. Growth was followed by X-rays over a period of 6 months. Non-revascularized transplants showed minimal growth and were partially absorbed whereas revascularized transplants showed continuing growth, achieving 2/3 of normal growth of the control legs.
Orthopic and heterotopic microvascular epiphyseal transplants based on periosteal blood supply were performed in 2 experiments. Heterotopic transplants averaged 69 per cent of growth of non-operated control bones. Orthopic transplants achieved a better result but the number of dogs available for evaluation was too small to be conclusive. The question is raised whether additional blood supply to the epiphyseal side of the transplant could improve the results.
Cross-facial nerve grafts followed in 4 to 12 months by microneurovascular free gracilis transplantation can produce adequate reconstruction in the lower two-thirds of a paralysed face. The mixed sensory and motor deep peroneal nerve and the small muscle bulk of the extensor digitorum brevis limit its usefulness in facial palsy. The gracilis has proved to be a much superior muscle. A feasible method for total reamination of unilateral facial palsy is presented.
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Vascularised and non-vascularised perichondrial grafts from the rabbit's ears were transplanted to the lower abdominal wall and their cartilage formation compared. Similar results were found in both groups. Presence of blood and spontaneous revascularisation of non-vascularised grafts as well as self limitation of cartilage formation in immediately revascularised grafts seem to be the reason for these results.
Cooling to 6-7 degrees significantly increases ischaemic tissue survival to 48 and, probably, 72 hours. Inflammatory changes develop in direct proportion to the duration of the cold ischaemia time. The skin and vessels within the flap appear to be minimally affected by cold ischaemia while fat and muscle demonstrate significant necrosis, inflammation and ultimate fibrosis. Very little, if any, muscle survives the ischaemic insult studied in this model.
One hundred and five microvenous grafts were carried out during three periods of time. Forty-five were performed in 1971, 25 were performed in 1975 and 35 were performed in 1979. The rabbits weighed 2 to 2.5 kg and a standard technique was followed by inserting a 1 cm vein graft after creating a defect of 0.5 cm in the femoral artery, taking the graft from the femoral vein on the same side. Exploration was carried out from 1 to 21 weeks at weekly intervals. The patency rate in Series I (1971) was 71 per cent, whereas the patency rate in Series II (1975) was 96 per cent and in Series III (1979) was 100 per cent. The scanning electron microscope showed that in the short term there was no narrowing of the lumen, nor any microaneurysm formation as reported previously by Buchler and Buncke (1979).
This study indicates that where facilities are available, the use of autotransplantation of the intraabdominal testis with microsurgical anastomosis to vessels of the groin is an acceptable, and possibly the best, alternative to orchidectomy for the intraabdominal testis. It is certainly justifiable in the case of the bilateral intraabdominal testis but in the case of the unilateral intraabdominal testis with a normally descended and apparently normal testis in the opposite hemiscrotum, the incresed incidence of neoplasia in intraabdominal testes should be taken into account in the decision on the method of treatment.
Thumb reconstruction requires accurate functional and esthetic approximation to the original. Accepted methods generally have some deficiencies, particularly in appearance, and frequently the secondary morbidity is unacceptable. A method of thumb reconstruction with the use of an iliac crest bone graft and a free neurovascular "wrap-around" flap from the big toe is described that combines the attributes of previous methods without their secondary morbidity.
Twenty-four thumb mutilations have been repaired by using either whole toe transfers or portions of the big toe for reconstruction. The hallux has many of the properties uniquely suitable for thumb reconstruction. Its total sacrifice, however, leaves a significant defect in the foot, and it is usually too big to look convincing as a thumb. Essential portions of it can be transferred without undue deformity in the foot, and these, in combination with an iliac crest bone graft, can be modelled into a most aesthetic and functional thumb.
Histopathological studies are described on 30 biopsy specimens of lymphaticovenous anastomoses ranging from two days to eight months following operation. Sixteen were patent and 14 were occluded. It was observed that in the non-patent specimens occlusion stemmed from the venous component. The prime determining factor in the success of the anastomosis was the achievement of correct apposition of the cut edges of the vessels, and this was directly dependent on the number and spacing of the sutures as well as the tension applied at their insertion. Correct apposition is more easily achieved with these delicate thin-walled vessels by better visualization afforded by the use of the operating microscope and appropriate instrumentation. The slow rate of repair in this situation is emphasized.
Between 1970 and 1978, 160 digits in 120 patients were replanted or revascularized. One hundred and nineteen digits survived, and these patients were assessed objectively and subjectively for functional results and their ability to return to work. Providing that strict indications are observed, long term objective and subjective results of digital replantation have proved most valuable from the point of view of the examiner and the patient. The best results were obtained with replantation of the thumb.
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Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
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It is suggested that more widespread use of the end to side microvascular suturing technique should be made, especially in arteries. A simple experimental practice model in the rabbit is suggested. Patency rates comparable to end to end anastomosis can be achieved.