Novel use of a suction-irrigation device to remove impacted blood clot from the airway.

Objectives: We sought to describe the novel use of a suction-irrigation device to remove a large blood clot that was causing critical obstruction of the trachea and main stem bronchi in our patient.

Methods: A large-bore suction-irrigation device designed for use in gynecologic cases was adapted for use in removal of an obstructing blood clot in the face of patient decompensation after several unsuccessful attempts at removal with standard otolaryngological instruments.

Results: The tracheal obstruction and the significant bronchial obstructions were successfully removed with the suction-irrigation device.

Acute rise in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a coastal community.

Objective: Describe the incidence of head and neck community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections over a 5-year period at a coastal tertiary medical center.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Subjects And Methods: All patients presenting to the otolaryngology service with cultures taken from head and neck infections between 1999 and 2004 were eligible for inclusion.

Refining indications for the use of mitomycin C using a randomized controlled trial with an animal model.

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of mitomycin on the repair of acquired subglottic stenosis and to define the optimal concentration of mitomycin that would minimize restenosis after repair.

Study Design And Setting: A randomized prospective model was used in which 20 ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) underwent simulated intubation injury that was then treated with CO2 laser lysis.

Results: Comparison of cross-sectional airway areas, after stenosis repair, showed no significant differences between control and mitomycin treatment groups.

Fusaric acid: a novel agent and mechanism to treat HNSCC.

Objective: A new class of carboxylic acids has tumoricidal activity for head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Fusaric acid (FA) can chelate divalent cations, especially zinc, and inactivate zinc finger proteins involved in DNA repair and protein synthesis.

Methods: 2 squamous carcinoma lines were utilized for in vitro and in vivo portions of this study.