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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

External device for tissue expansion: clinical evaluation of the skin extender.

Tissue expansion is a well known way of repairing soft tissue defects. However, traditional tissue expanders have certain disadvantages such as the need for repeated outpatient visits for the filling of the expander and a long period of time required before the final result is achieved. A series of other devices have recently been developed. We have evaluated one of these, a skin extender developed by Blomqvist and Steenfos, in 10 lesions of the extremities in nine adult patients. The defects ranged from 3.5-10 cm wide and the extenders were inserted under local anaesthesia. The patients were taught how to tighten the extenders themselves, so there was no need for repeated visits to the outpatient department. Nine of the 10 defects were excised within 14 days; the remaining one developed a wound infection. The results show that this skin extender is a simple, fast, and economical device for repairing soft tissue defects, and in certain cases it is more suitable than a traditional tissue expander. Its major drawback is unsightly scars in the normal skin beside the previous defect.

Adult↗

[Value of cutaneous expansion in the repair of skin defects after posterior surgical intervention on the spine].

Tissue expansion spreads widely its field of application through the treatment of large cutaneous defects. Spinal surgery represents a new field for this technique. Iterative and large posterior midline approach can lead to skin necrosis and deep infection which imposes a second look attempt with ablation of orthopaedic devices. Tissue expansion associated with advancement flaps represents a less aggressive choice to treat such post-surgical complications saving regional skin and muscles rather than with conventional flaps. The authors report four cases in which such a technique was applied with long term satisfactory results.

Adult↗

From cadavers to implants: silicon tissue assays of medical devices.

A plethora of data has been used to condemn and defend the role of silicone and its association with "adjuvant disease." In the ongoing attempt to enhance our knowledge, we have chosen to identify tissue silicon levels in patients with saline implants or tissue expanders. We have compared these levels with tissue samples from a variety of patients with and without medicinal silicone devices from both the northeast and southwest United States over a 4-year period. All specimens were harvested by a "no touch" technique, non-formalin fixed, frozen, and shipped to an independent toxicology laboratory for analysis. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was used to obtain the tissue silicon measurements. Silicon tissue values in cadaveric tissue (n = 20 cadavers; n = 120 specimens) averaged 2.2 mcg/gm of tissue with undetectable silicon levels in over 50 percent of the specimens (range 0 to 45 mcg/gm; median = 0). Silicon levels surrounding port-a-catheter devices (n = 15 patients; n = 15 specimens) averaged 8.04 mcg/gm of tissue (range 0 to 41 mcg/gm; median = 0). Tissue levels in the capsules surrounding saline (n = 10 patients; n = 22 specimens) and silicone implants (n = 31 patients; n = 58 specimens) averaged 292 mcg/gm (range 0 to 1380 mcg/gm; median = 110) and 1439 mcg/gm (range 0 to 9800 mcg/gm, median = 490), respectively. Tissue levels, however, from distant sites (n = 22 specimens) in these same patients were equivalent to the cadaveric nonaugmented values (average = 3.2 mcg/gm; range 0 to 5.8 mcg/gm; median = 2.7). The results imply that there is a continuum of exposure to silicone medical devices based on the mechanical properties of silicone. The data seem to suggest that there may be a progression of measurable tissue silicon levels based on the amount of environmental or device-related silicone exposure a person has over his or her lifetime. It is our hope that these levels will serve as a baseline for our continuing knowledge of implantable medical devices.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Dermal microvasculature and tissue selective thinning techniques (ultrasound and water-jet) of short-time expanded skin in dogs.

Certain reconstructive procedures, like auricular reconstructions, require thin and well-vascularized skin. The aims of this study were to analyze if the increased survival of expanded skin flaps was due to morphologic changes of the dermis, if thinning of short-time expanded skin was possible without harm to the microcirculation and if tissue selective cutting methods could be used to resect subcutaneous fat without damaging its vessels. Eighty-two 200-ml expanders were implanted into the trunk regions of 26 beagles and filled immediately with sterile saline. In the first series of experiments, the expansion was terminated after intervals of 0.5-5 weeks and dermal vessels were analyzed morphometrically. In the second series the expanded flaps were raised after 2 weeks and thinned solely surgically or with the additional use of an ultrasonic knife or with cutting by water jet. In contrast to sham flaps, the expanded skin showed only very few areas of necrosis and these were located superficially in most cases. The relative volume of the dermal vessels and their quantity showed a significant increase after the expansion. Additionally, the subcutaneous tissue could be thinned down to 0.4 mm with the water-jet-cutter. Findings demonstrated that the method used could create a well-vascularized skin flap of minimal thickness that could be very helpful for special reconstructive procedures.

Adipose Tissue↗

Issues related to choice of breast reconstruction in early-stage breast cancer.

Reconstructive surgeons focus their efforts on refining and developing techniques that optimize oncologic outcome and recreate the most natural breast mound possible. The introduction of perforator flaps offers the potential for faster and more complete recovery, while increasing technical complexity and the risks associated with microsurgical reconstruction. Despite appealing long-lasting results, autologous reconstruction is not the ideal reconstructive choice for every patient. Tissue/expander reconstruction can produce a satisfactory aesthetic outcome and is the reconstruction of choice for most women undergoing breast reconstruction. Immediate autologous reconstruction at the time of mastectomy best resembles the lost breast and favorably withstands radiation, compared with other reconstructive methods. However, the best method for integrating reconstruction and radiation is being actively debated. Placing a tissue expander at the time of mastectomy allows a skin-sparing approach and gives the patient a chance to see how she will feel with an implant. This approach avoids radiation damage to tissue reconstruction flaps, saving them for use later if necessary. This approach, using a tissue expander as a first step, is growing in popularity.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Evaluation of an integrated orbital tissue expander in an anophthalmic feline model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomical effects and tissue biocompatibility in a feline model of an integrated orbital tissue expander (OTE) designed to stimulate bone growth in an anophthalmic socket. DESIGN: An animal study was performed in cats to assess orbital bone growth with and without an OTE. METHODS: The OTE is an inflatable (0.5 to >6.0 cm(3)) polymeric globe sliding on a titanium T plate secured to the lateral orbital rim with screws. Eight cats had left eye enucleation at age two weeks, with five orbits receiving an OTE and the remaining three serving as nonimplanted controls. Serial transconjunctival implant inflation was performed by injecting normal saline solution into the OTE to a final volume of 3.5 ml. Serial computed tomographic scans were obtained to assess socket growth. All eight cats were euthanized at 18 weeks and dry skulls prepared. The effective orbital volume was measured by inflating an OTE in the orbit of a dry skull until it filled the cavity completely. RESULTS: Three cats periodically scratched open the tarsorrhaphy and conjunctiva to rupture the OTE, which resulted in implant exchanges. At 18 weeks, the OTE expanded orbital volume was approximately 18% smaller than the normal contralateral side. In the control animals, the anophthalmic orbital volume was approximately 66% smaller than the contralateral orbit. Histopathology of orbital tissues showed no evidence of foreign body reaction. CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept pilot study demonstrated implant efficacy in cats, and no implant-related adverse effects were observed. OTE has the potential to stimulate bone growth in human anophthalmic orbits.

Animals↗

[Patients' satisfaction and social reintegration after breast reconstruction with the DIEP/TRAM flap].

The aim of the study was to evaluate social reintegration and patients' perception after breast reconstruction with the free TRAM/DIEP flap. Between 2004 and 2006, 100 patients with an average age of 48 years with breast cancer, capsular contracture and lymphangioma underwent single or second stage autologous tissue transfer. In 7 patients reconstruction was performed on both sides (altogether 107 flaps). The patients were seen for postoperative evaluation and were asked for their personal acceptance after reconstruction. Postoperatively, no instability of the abdominal wall was seen. 3 patients had a total flap loss, in 2 patients a partial loss was evident, 1 had a hematoma, 2 showed successfully treated thrombosis of the flap vein, and 2 patients suffered from wound healing problems at the flap and 4 patients at the abdomen. Aesthetic results concerning natural feeling and breast symmetry were graded as excellent and patients' satisfaction was high.

Adult↗

High- and low-technology solutions for massive cavernous hemangioma of the face: lasers and leeches to the rescue.

A massive cavernous hemangioma of the face has been resected using a combination of old and new techniques. The ability of the neodymium: YAG laser to cut with excellent hemostasis formed the basis for the resection. Adjuncts to the surgical excision included such high-technology modalities as laser Doppler flowmeters and tissue expanders. Flap viability was salvaged by the lowly but essential common leech. This case is presented to illustrate the fantastic array of modalities available to plastic surgeons for major resections and reconstructions.

Adult↗

[ETE (External Tissue Expansion): a new method for external tissue extension].

The authors describes a new device for external tissue extension (ETE) which will be able to replace or complement tissue expanders. The device consists of many ETE units, each unit consisting of a needle and two friction stoppers counted on a silicone string. Application, optimal tension and final surgical procedure are described. The indications are the same as for tissue expanders, e.g. scars, naevi and previous skin grafts, and also concern the closure of acute fasciotomies. The advantages are numerous: very simple technique, application under local anaesthetics, faster cutaneous profits (5-6 days), inexpensive total treatment, low complication rate.

Humans↗

Continuous versus intraoperative expansion in the pig model.

Continuous tissue expansion utilizing a continuous infusion device that maintains a constant expander pressure was previously demonstrated to be feasible and successful in obtaining rapid tissue expansion in a canine model. Intraoperative tissue expansion has been described and has gained some clinical acceptance as a method to gain rapid expansion. We compared the efficacy of continuous tissue expansion versus intraoperative tissue expansion in a piglet model. After completing a pilot study, continuous tissue expansion was performed in six pigs (14.5 to 20 kg) on one flank over a 3-day period utilizing an improved prototype device; at the termination of continuous tissue expansion, intraoperative tissue expansion was performed on the opposite flank. There were no complications or continuous tissue expansion device malfunctions. Intraoperative tissue expansion gave a true gain in area of 7.4 percent, while continuous tissue expansion produced a 22 percent gain (p < 0.02). When the effects of both recruitment and expansion were added, continuous tissue expansion gave a dividend of 286 percent versus 192 percent for intraoperative tissue expansion (p < 0.01). Biomechanically, intraoperative tissue expansion skin showed few differences from unexpanded skin, while continuous tissue expansion skin showed a significant increase in stress relaxation (47.78 versus 38.74) and decrease in breaking strength. Histologic analysis revealed some epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation surrounding the continuous tissue expansion expander and some vascular congestion over the intraoperative tissue expansion expander. We conclude that continuous tissue expansion is superior to intraoperative tissue expansion and that the prototype device may be useful clinically.

Animals↗

External constant tension expansion of soft tissue for the treatment of ulceration of the foot and ankle.

A clinical series of the management of 74 lesions in the foot and ankle region in 67 patients using a constant tension-approximating device is presented. The technical aspects of this methodology are detailed as they have been developed over the past 4 years. The indications, contraindications, and the requirements to obtain a successful result are discussed. The differences, as well as the possible advantages over other mechanical devices used in wound management, are discussed. The incidence and degree of complications are considered to be minimal when compared to both flap procedures and internal expansion technologies.

Adult↗

Microbial growth in saline breast implants and saline tissue expanders.

The subject of microbial growth within the saline medium of prosthetic breast implants has been one of great controversy in recent years. Although several articles have described microbial growth within the tissue surrounding implanted breast prostheses, few have attempted to determine the possibility of such contamination of the luminal saline. The authors studied the intraluminal saline medium of a series of explanted breast prostheses with the objective of identifying any microbial contamination. Over a 6-month period, a consecutive series of saline-filled breast implants and tissue expanders were removed from 37 patients. Under the supervision of a microbiologist, saline extracted from each implant was subjected to bacterial and fungal cultures, Gram staining, and acid-fast staining. A total of 24 saline-filled breast implants were removed from 15 patients, and 32 saline-filled tissue expanders were removed from 22 patients. The average length of implantation was 28.1 months for the implants and 7.1 months for the expanders. None of the saline within the implants or expanders within our series displayed any evidence of microbial contamination. These results suggest that microbial contamination of the luminal saline of prosthetic breast implants is an extremely unlikely event.

Adult↗