Improved sensory recovery with a novel dual neurorrhaphy technique for breast reconstruction with free muscle sparing TRAM flap technique.

Background: We describe a new dual neurorrhaphy method for a free abdominal-based flap and compare sensory recovery with this novel technique to that with conventional neurorrhaphy technique for breast reconstruction.

Methods: 70 breast cancer patients underwent muscle sparing innervated transversal rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap (neuro ms-TRAM) breast reconstruction with either a novel dual neurorrhaphy technique (N = 41) or single (N = 29) neurorrhaphy only. Dual neurorrhaphy was performed on both sides and single neurorrhaphy on one side of the flap, using the end-to-end or end-to-side technique.

Neuropilin-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 are up-regulated in human vascular malformations.

Despite multiple previous studies in the field of vascular anomalies, the mechanism(s) leading to their development, progression and maintenance has remained unclear. In this study, we have characterized the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factors and their receptors in 33 human vascular anomalies. Analysis with quantitative real-time PCR and gene-specific assays showed higher expression of neuropilin-2 (NRP2) and VEGF-receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) mRNAs in vascular malformations (VascM) as compared to infantile hemangiomas (Hem).

A microneurovascular TRAM flap does not compromise abdominal sensibility more than a conventional one.

Background: Classic abdominoplasty for a transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction impairs abdominal somatosensory function at the donor site. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the type of surgical procedure has an effect on somatosensory alterations of abdominal skin after TRAM flap breast reconstruction.

Methods: Sixty patients (mean ± SD age, 50 ± 6.

A new approach to microneurovascular TRAM-flap breast reconstruction--a pilot study.

Background: The aims of the present study were to investigate whether microneurovascular breast reconstruction with a free transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap and nerve repair with nerves other than ThIV and ThXI improve sensory recovery of the breast compared to traditional free TRAM flap without nerve repair, and which nerve is optimal for the neural anastomosis of the flap.

Methods: Twenty breast cancer patients underwent breast reconstruction with a free TRAM flap and nerve repair (neuro-TRAM) with the best available nerve from the axillary area and 20 control patients had traditional free TRAM flap without nerve repair (standard-TRAM). Neurorrhaphy was done by end-to-end or end-to-side techniques.

Comparison of premortem clinical diagnosis and autopsy findings in patients with burns.

Introduction: Despite the diagnostic advancements, some clinically important diagnoses remain undetected during intensive care in burn patients. The aim of this study was to compare the premortem clinical diagnoses and autopsy findings.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective review of all burn deaths during 1995-2005 was conducted.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C-induced collateral formation in a model of myocardial ischemia.

Background: Besides being a known lymphangiogenic activator, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C may express angiogenic potential by proteolytic cleavage and activation of endothelial cells. We assessed myocardial collateral formation and functional changes after adenovirus-mediated VEGF-C gene transfer in an ischemic porcine model.

Methods: Fifteen Landrace piglets underwent Ameroid-induced gradual occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCx) and consequent progressive myocardial ischemia.

Vascular endothelial growth factors C and D and their VEGFR-2 and 3 receptors in blood and lymphatic vessels in healthy and arthritic synovium.

Objective: To localize vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and VEGF-D in synovial specimens in relation to their VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors in blood and lymphatic vessels.

Methods: Immunohistochemical staining and messenger RNA analysis from control and arthritic synovial membrane specimens.

Results: Quantitative RT-PCR disclosed that VEGF-C mRNA copy numbers were higher than VEGF-D mRNA copy numbers in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis, and control patient groups studied (p < 0.