Circulating angiotensin peptides levels in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome correlate with clinical outcomes: A pilot study.

Rationale: We propose renin angiotensin system (RAS) peptides are critical in wound reparative processes such as in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Their role in predicting clinical outcomes in ARDS has been unexplored; thus, we used a targeted metabolomics approach to investigate them as potential predictors of outcomes.

Methods: Thirty-nine ARDS patients were enrolled within 24 hours of ARDS diagnosis.

Selective Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Denervation for Painful Arthritis: Clinical Outcomes and Cadaveric Study.

Purpose: To determine the innervation pattern to the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and assess the safety and efficacy of selective joint denervation for the treatment of pain and impairment associated with thumb CMC arthritis.

Methods: Cadaveric dissections were performed in 10 fresh upper extremities to better define the innervation patterns to the CMC joint and guide the surgical approach for CMC joint denervation. Histologic confirmation of candidate nerves was performed with hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Obstetric balloon for treatment of foreshortened vagina using the McIndoe technique.

Background: When conservative options such as the use of vaginal dilators fail, the McIndoe technique may be used in the surgical treatment of a foreshortened vagina. The McIndoe procedure, an approach commonly used for the treatment of vaginal agenesis, requires a mold over which a skin graft is sutured and placed inside the vagina. In most surgical descriptions, this mold is made from non-sterile foam, condoms, or gloves.

Two-stage prosthetic breast reconstruction using AlloDerm including outcomes of different timings of radiotherapy.

Background: The authors compared the outcomes of two-stage, acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm)-assisted prosthetic breast reconstruction including different timings of radiotherapy.

Methods: A review of two-stage, AlloDerm-assisted, prosthetic breast reconstructions from 2004 to 2010 was performed. All data were recorded prospectively and the study population was stratified by the timing of radiotherapy.

Unilateral failures in bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction.

Background: As rates of bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy have increased over the past decade, bilateral microvascular breast reconstruction has played an increasing role in breast cancer care. Data on unilateral flap failure in bilateral microvascular breast reconstructions have been lacking, and strategies to address the challenges encountered in this situation are needed.

Methods: A retrospective review of all simultaneous bilateral microvascular breast reconstructions performed by the senior author (M.

Occupational injury in plastic surgeons.

Background: Little research to date has investigated musculoskeletal injury in the surgical workforce. This study estimates the prevalence and functional impact of work-related injury in plastic surgeons and other surgical specialists.

Methods: A validated self-assessment of work-related injury was administered to surgeons at various professional conferences, over the telephone, and via email.

Barbed suture tenorrhaphy: an ex vivo biomechanical analysis.

Background: Using barbed suture for flexor tenorrhaphy could permit knotless repair with tendon-barb adherence along the suture's entire length. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tensile strength and repair-site profile of a technique of barbed suture tenorrhaphy.

Methods: Thirty-eight cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomized to polypropylene barbed suture repair in a knotless three-strand or six-strand configuration, or to unbarbed four-strand cruciate repair.

Fistula after 2-flap palatoplasty: a 20-year review.

Oronasal fistula formation is a recalcitrant complication following palatoplasty, resulting in nasal emission during speech and deglutition. We review our series to identify factors associated with fistula incidence. A retrospective review of all children with nonsyndromic cleft palate who underwent 2-flap palatoplasty by the senior author from July 1983 to August 2004, was performed.

A "buttressed mesh" technique for fascial closure in complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Today, plastic surgeons are increasingly faced with the problem of complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Obesity, bariatric surgery, and failed prior herniorrhaphy contribute to high rates of hernia recurrence in these difficult tertiary cases. We reviewed 50 consecutive complex abdominal wall reconstructions to identify the roles of 3 technical variables in successful outcomes: use of mesh, use of a flap buttress to reinforce the fascial repair, and the use of concomitant body-contouring techniques.

History of breast implants and the food and drug administration.

Over the past 30 years, silicone-gel breast implants and their manufacturers have experienced a tumultuous relationship with the FDA and the public, which has changed the modern climate of industry oversight and the field of plastic surgery. We present an account of the events leading up to and resulting from the 1992 FDA moratorium on silicone implants. We highlight the involvement of the manufacturers, the scientific and legal communities, regulators, the plastic surgery community, and others as they strive to come to terms with a fearful public opinion shaped by the influence of the media.

External fixators as an adjunct to wound healing.

Complex foot and ankle wounds present multiple challenges for the reconstructive surgeon. Soft tissue deficits must be closed to protect underlying structures from infection and to provide a stable environment for healing. Surgical options commonly used include healing by secondary intention, local flap closure, skin grafts, pedicled flaps, and free tissue transfer.

Imaging-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of solid renal masses: techniques and outcomes of 38 treatment sessions in 32 consecutive patients.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment techniques and results of 38 consecutive imaging-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablations of solid renal masses performed in 32 patients.

Materials And Methods: Solid renal masses in 32 patients underwent 38 treatment sessions using imaging-guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. During 36 sessions, radiofrequency ablation was performed using CT guidance, and two, using sonographic guidance.