Annals of plastic surgery
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Annals of plastic surgery · Nov 2016
ReviewThree-Dimensional Printing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A Systematic Review.
Increasingly affordable three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies now make it possible for surgeons to create highly customizable patient-tailored products. This process provides the potential to produce individualized artificial and biologic implants, regenerative scaffolds, and cell-specific replacement tissue and organs. The combination of accurate volumetric analysis and production of 3D printed biologic materials are evolving techniques that demonstrate great promise in achieving an accurate and naturally appearing anthropomorphic reconstruction. This systematic review summarizes the current published literature and known ongoing research on 3D printing in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS). ⋯ The 3D printing provides the ability to construct complex individualized implants that not only improve patient outcomes but also increase economic feasibility. The technology offers a potential level of accessibility that is paramount for remote and resource-limited locations where health care is most often limited. The 3D printing-based technologies will have an immense impact on the reconstruction of traumatic injuries, facial and limb prosthetic development, as well as advancements in biologic and synthetic implants.
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Annals of plastic surgery · May 2016
ReviewFree Flap Monitoring Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy: A Systemic Review.
Although free flaps have become a reliable technique, vascular occlusion remains a significant risk. Flap survival is closely linked to the time interval between the onset and surgical repair of a microvascular problem. The newly emerged near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) shows the characteristics of being noninvasive, continuous, easy to use, objective, and immediately reflective, possibly making it an ideal candidate for postoperative flap monitoring. ⋯ Near-infrared spectroscopy seems to be a highly suitable candidate for postoperative flap monitoring. Larger-scale, randomized, multicentric clinical trials are needed in the future.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Feb 2016
ReviewOn Beyond Lidocaine: Reconsidering Local Anesthetics in Tumescent Liposuction-A Critical Review.
The use of tumescent solution in liposuction is now considered standard of care; however, much debate still exists regarding its ideal components, especially surrounding the inclusion of local anesthetics. This article reviews the discussion regarding the use of local anesthetics in tumescent liposuction and how it may evolve in the future. The need for local anesthetic additives in tumescent liposuction has been questioned, and the use of longer-acting agents discouraged; however, increasing number of reports in recent years have described the increasingly widespread use of tumescent anesthesia where a wetting solution is infiltrated to achieve anesthesia in an operative field for procedures other than liposuction. More high-level evidence, such as randomized controlled clinical trials, will be required; however, it should be possible to develop a useful standardized algorithm that can guide surgeons to optimize patient safety as well as patient experience.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Jan 2016
ReviewA Systematic Review of Smartphone Applications for Plastic Surgery Providers: Target Audience, Uses, and Cost.
The growth and acceptance of smartphones among clinicians has been remarkable over the last decade. Over 87% of doctors use a smartphone or tablet capable of running third-party software known as applications (apps). In the field of plastic surgery, apps have been designed for personal practice development, education, clinical tools and guidelines, and entertainment. This study reviews the literature on apps related to plastic surgery and determines the number and types of apps available. ⋯ Apps related to the field of plastic surgery are increasing in prevalence. The content of these apps are variable, and the majority are intended for marketing and development of private practices. Apps linking to literature, texts, study materials, and clinical tools and guidelines are developed for both practicing plastic surgeons and surgical trainees. Finding "useful" apps takes time because searches are often complicated by a variety of apps.
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Annals of plastic surgery · Sep 2015
ReviewA Novel Hypothesis of Visual Loss Secondary to Cosmetic Facial Filler Injection.
With the current tendency of increasing minimally invasive cosmetic surgeries, some rare but disastrous complications of facial filler injections come into sight, such as visual loss. The study aims to investigate the possible route that the injected droplet accesses the ophthalmic artery to explain and prevent such devastating complications. We searched the National Library of Medicine's PubMed database for cases of visual loss secondary to cosmetic facial filler injection, and reviewed relevant case reports/surveys, as well as accompanying references. ⋯ Although iatrogenic ophthalmic artery occlusion is a rare complication after the facial filler injection surgery, it is usually devastating. Both the patient and the surgeon should be aware of the risk of irreversible blindness. Ideally, the injection sites should avoid the small vessels nearby, the injecting force and velocity should be as gentle and slow as possible.