Closed subfascial ligation of incompetent perforating veins of the lower extremities.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of minimally invasive surgical procedures for interrupting incompetent perforating veins of the lower limb. A closed subfascial ligation was performed in 20 patients who had incompetent perforating veins in 28 limbs as diagnosed by a clinical examination and duplex scanning. Two small transverse incisions measuring 5-10 mm in length were made on both sides of the incompetent perforating vein.

External tissue expansion successfully achieved using negative pressure.

The practice of internal tissue expansion by implanting a silicone balloon into the soft tissue under the skin is now known to be associated with a significant risk of complications. Therefore, we designed and developed a new technique of mechanical external tissue expansion achieved by using negative pressure created through special valved cups. The subjects were 60 patients suffering from postburn scar contractures in different parts of their bodies.