Risk of breast implant bacterial contamination from endogenous breast flora, prevention with nipple shields, and implications for biofilm formation.

Background: Capsular contracture (CC) is a common complication of breast augmentation that is thought to arise from bacterial contamination and subsequent biofilm formation on the implant. Endogenous breast flora expressed through the nipple may contaminate the sterile field during breast augmentation, acting as a possible source for initiation of biofilm formation.

Objectives: The authors investigate the incidence of nipple bacterial contamination with endogenous breast flora after standard chest wall sterilization during breast augmentation.

Special considerations in vascular anomalies: operative management of craniofacial osseous lesions.

The treatment of vascular anomalies of the head and neck typically focuses on restoration of abnormal structures of the soft tissues. However, vascular anomalies can affect the craniofacial skeleton, and osseous reconstruction may be indicated. Osseous involvement occurs as either a primary or secondary phenomenon.

Unusual case of right-sided May-Thurner syndrome and review of its management.

May-Thurner syndrome is a phenomenon commonly described as an acquired stenosis of the left common iliac vein as a result of right common iliac artery compression. We report an unusual case of right-sided May-Thurner syndrome in a patient found to have a left-sided inferior vena cava. We also review the management of this patient using angioplasty, intraoperative thrombolysis, and endoluminal stent placement.

Management and short-term patency of lower extremity venous injuries with various repairs.

Background: Although several methods of repair of extremity venous injuries have been shown to be efficacious, patency rates have varied significantly from center to center.

Methods: A retrospective review was made of treatment outcomes of adult and pediatric patients with major venous injuries of the lower extremity.

Results: From 1997 to 2002, 82 patients sustained 86 major lower extremity venous injuries.