A Retrospective Matched-Pair Analysis of Long-term Outcomes after Successful Lower Extremity Free Flap Salvage.

Background:  Pedicle occlusion with total free flap loss after microvascular lower extremity reconstruction is a considerably rare yet devastating complication. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, emergency salvage takebacks of compromised free flaps are initiated in a timely manner. In this report, we present our analysis of long-term outcomes following transient vascular compromise mitigated through successful free flap salvage in the lower extremity.

[Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea].

Reduced genioglossus muscle tone is considered one of the major causes for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HNS) keeps the upper airway patent by increasing the muscle tone of the genioglossus muscle being the major airway opener. According to the German S3-Guideline on Sleep Disordered Breathing this treatment is indicated in patients with OSA failing or rejecting positive airway pressure, showing an AHI between 15 and 65, in particular when anatomy is normal and the BMI below 35.