Evaluation of Intraoperative Anastomotic Patency with Angiography in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction.

Background: Microsurgical breast reconstruction is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Several measures are taken to ensure safe elevation of the flap, preparation of recipient vessels, microvascular anastomosis, and flap inset. Reestablishing proper blood flow to the flap tissue after microvascular anastomosis is one of many critical steps for surgical success.

Surgical Nipple Delay and its Expanded Indications for Nipple-sparing Mastectomy.

Unlabelled: Necrosis of the nipple-areolar complex (NAC) or surrounding skin has been reported in 6%-30% of nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) patients, with higher rates associated with larger breasts, previous breast surgery, previous radiation, and active smoking. The nipple delay (ND) procedure is known to improve viability of the NAC in NSM patients with high-risk factors.

Methods: A single-institution retrospective review was done of patients who underwent ND and NSM or NSM alone from 2012 to 2022.

Heterogeneity in Body Contouring Outcomes Based Research: The Pittsburgh Body Contouring Complication Reporting System.

Background: Body contouring complications after massive weight loss (MWL) vary significantly in frequency and type. Currently, no standardized recommendations exist regarding which complications are most important to report.

Objectives: We aim to provide a guideline for complication reporting in the body contouring literature.

Transverse dual-perforator fascia-sparing free TRAM flap: technique description.

As techniques for breast reconstruction with autologous abdominal tissue have evolved, free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps have persevered because of their superior reliability and minimal donor-site morbidity compared with muscle-sparing techniques. Further refinements are described in this article to maximize abdominal flap perfusion and ensure primary closure of the rectus fascia. It has been well documented that incorporating both the lateral and medial perforators provides maximal perfusion to all zones of the lower abdominal transverse skin flap.

Induced pulsation of a continuous-flow total artificial heart in a mock circulatory system.

Background: We studied the hemodynamic effects of inducing an artificial pulse in a continuous-flow total artificial heart consisting of 2 axial-flow pumps in a mock circulatory system.

Methods: We varied the amplitude (maximum minus minimum speed), beat rate and systolic duration of the left pump, right pump or both. Mean left and right pump speeds were maintained at 11 and 8 krpm, respectively.

Lowering the inframammary fold.

The primary indication for lowering the inframammary fold is to recruit skin into the lower pole of a small breast to accommodate a breast implant. However, the author advises that in the ptotic breast or the constricted breast, lowering the inframammary fold may result in a double-bubble deformity if improperly executed.