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Biomedical subjects

B M Achauer

Publications and source records attributed to B M Achauer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Potential complications of intralesional laser photocoagulation for extensive vascular malformations.

Vascular anomalies remain a challenge for both patients and plastic surgeons. Recently, promising results have been reported using intralesional photocoagulation (ILP) to treat extensive vascular lesions. At the authors' center, they have treated more than 300 patients with vascular anomalies in different parts of the body between 1996 and 1999. They describe their operative techniques of ILP. Laser pulses of a 1,064-nm wavelength from the Nd:YAG laser were delivered to the target tissues with a 600-microm optical fiber. They report 2 patients who developed complications after a single session of ILP therapy for their extensive vascular malformations. The first patient had Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (capillary-lymphaticovenous malformations) with widespread involvement of her buttocks and left lower limb. She had severe leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and hyperkalemia that resolved with intravenous hydration, antibiotics, and sodium bicarbonate. In their second patient, the entire left upper limb was affected. Her total red cell count diminished by a quarter and her hemoglobin concentration dropped by more than 3 g%. This was corrected gradually with supplemental oral hematinics. Although these complications resolved uneventfully in their patients, they hope that their possible development will caution anyone who may wish to attempt this new method of therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Combined rhytidectomy and full-face laser resurfacing.

A series of patients undergoing a combined face lifting procedure with simultaneous laser resurfacing is described. Although resurfacing is accepted as safe for deep-plane face lifts and forehead lifts, there are reports of preauricular skin loss with a standard face lift. In this series, 26 consecutive cases are described. A superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) face lift technique was used. A skin flap was developed no more than 3.0 cm from the preauricular area, and most of that was excised. Full-face laser resurfacing was done with the SilkTouch laser. An 8-mm square pattern was used at 16 to 18 W. Three to four passes were done. Care was taken, however, to do very superficial lasering of the periphery, especially over the small amount of undermined skin that remained. There was no preauricular skin loss. This series demonstrates the safety of combining laser resurfacing with the SMAS technique face lift in regard to preauricular skin loss.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Acute and reconstructive management of the burned eyelid.

Introduced in 1875, the use of full-thickness skin graft for release of a lower eyelid ectropion secondary to burn contractures remains a mainstay of current burn treatment. The authors address issues such as acute care, the exposed cornea, scar management, and surgical management of eyelid deformities.

Burns, Chemical↗
PubMed2000

Carbon dioxide and ER:YAG laser resurfacing. Results.

Laser resurfacing is exciting "futuristic" surgery. The CO2 laser resurfaces using different parameters from the Er:YAG laser. When the surgeon understands these parameters, each laser can be used as a powerful tool for specific clinical applications. The Er:YAG laser was initially thought to be for the patient who has minimal skin laxity, but who desires skin resurfacing and needs a speedy return to social life. The CO2 laser has typically been thought to work best for skin laxity as well as rhytids, at the price of a longer recovery period. As the hardware and techniques continue to evolve, the differences between the clinical scope addressed by each laser diminishes. Both lasers deserve a place in the plastic surgeon's armamentarium. This new combination CO2/Er:YAG technique is intriguing and deserves further in-depth investigation. Laser resurfacing is not a cureall, but, when applied appropriately, it is an excellent tool that the plastic surgeon can use for skin rejuvenation.

Dermatologic Surgical Procedures↗
PubMed1999

Multicenter trial to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of pooled human fibrin sealant for the treatment of burn wounds.

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this multicenter study was to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of a solvent/detergent-treated commercial fibrin sealant (human) for topical hemostasis in skin grafting. METHODS: The study involved a prospective evaluation of changes in viral titers in patients with burns less than 15% after treatment with fibrin sealant (human). Each patient served as his/her own control for an unblinded, randomized comparison of donor site hemostasis and healing. Preoperative serum was obtained to screen for viral titers. At autografting, the recipient site and one of two randomly chosen donor sites were treated with fibrin sealant (human). The use of other hemostatic agents, including epinephrine was prohibited. Each donor site was covered with gauze to collect blood for estimation of the relative amount of bleeding. The healing of the graft and donor sites was observed. Viral titers and wounds were checked monthly for 6 months, and at 9 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Viral titers for human immunodeficiency virus; hepatitis A, B, and C; Epstein-Barr virus; and cytomegalovirus were obtained before and after treatment. Of 47 patients, 34 completed the full year of observation. After treatment, there were no seroconversions to any of the aforementioned viruses. Bleeding at the recipient site appeared well controlled with fibrin sealant (human). Although investigators felt that fibrin sealant (human) improved donor site hemostasis, differences in hemoglobin measurements of blood-soaked dressings failed to reach significance. No differences were noted with regard to acceleration of donor site healing, graft take, or scar maturation at the two groups of donor sites. Anecdotally, the maturation of the recipient site appeared to be accelerated. CONCLUSION: Fibrin sealant (human) is safe for use during excision and grafting, and its topical hemostatic potential needs to be examined in patients with larger burns. Its role in scar maturation also needs to be investigated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Intralesional photocoagulation of periorbital hemangiomas.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of intralesional bare fiber photocoagulation with the KTP and Nd:YAG lasers on periorbital hemangiomas of infancy. Initial reports by Apfelberg and Gregory suggest that intralesional laser therapy may have a role in the treatment of hemangiomas. Intralesional photocoagulation may be preferred to superficial laser treatment for several reasons. It may decrease cutaneous skin damage and more effectively reduce bulky, deep lesions. Twenty-three patients with periorbital hemangiomas were treated (KTP, n = 7; Nd:YAG, n = 16). An 18-g Angiocath was placed into the lesion to pass the fiber through. Laser energy was delivered by means of a 0.6-mm bare fiber at 10 to 15 J (KTP) or 7 J (Nd:YAG). Treatments were done under general anesthesia. Patients were followed closely for 1 month and then monthly to assess results and complications. Results are as follows: 61 percent demonstrated 50-percent or more reduction at 3 months; 22 percent demonstrated 50-percent or more reduction in 3 to 8 months, i.e., 83 percent of patients had 50-percent or more reduction within 8 months. To achieve these results, two patients required two treatments. The remaining 17 percent had 10- to 14-percent reduction at 1 to 3 months. Two of these patients had two treatments. A subgroup of patients had a very dramatic response. Thirty-five percent (8 of 23) had 50- to 90-percent reduction in 1 month. It is unclear why these patients responded so dramatically. We expected some ulceration during the healing phase. Seventeen percent developed ulceration. Complications were limited (4 percent) to one wound infection. Intralesional photocoagulation treatment with the KTP and Nd:YAG lasers is effective and safe for the treatment of periorbital hemangiomas in the majority of patients with minimal complications. Further study is necessary to identify factors that result in dramatic or limited responses.

Hemangioma↗
PubMed1998

Augmentation of facial soft-tissue defects with Alloderm dermal graft.

Numerous materials, both autologous and nonautologous, have been used for augmentation of soft-tissue defects in the facial region. Each has its limitations. There is no ideal material for soft-tissue augmentation. Alloderm dermal graft (LifeCell Corporation, Woodlands, TX) combines the benefits of autografts and allografts. The authors report its use in 11 patients who have soft-tissue defects or scarring on the face. No serious complications such as rejection, mobilization, absorption, dislocation, or extrusion were encountered. The use of Alloderm in these patients minimized two problems: donor site morbidity and lack of adequate tissue for reconstruction. Alloderm is shown to be an excellent augmentation material for soft-tissue defects. The absence of a donor site defect, and adequate tissue for reconstruction are particularly helpful in the pediatric population.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Intralesional bare fiber laser treatment of hemangioma of infancy.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of intralesional fiber with the KTP laser on treatment of hemangiomas in infancy. A series of 12 patients (1 month to 3 1/2 years) were treated for hemangioma of the head and neck regions. Results were as follows: 92 percent, > 50 percent reduction at 3 months; 8 percent, > 50 percent reduction at 6 months. To achieve these results, 50 percent required two treatments (six cases), and 8 percent required three treatments (one case). Improvement of function was clearly in the proliferative phase. Lesions on three patients (25 percent) ulcerated following laser therapy. No other side effects or complications were noted. Intralesional fiber therapy is determined to be effective and safely used to induce involution of voluminous hemangiomas of the face and neck regions.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

Reconstruction of head and neck hemangiomas with tissue expansion in the pediatric population.

A retrospective study of 245 patients with 299 hemangiomas treated from May 1981 to April 1994 was done. A subset of 175 of these patients (58.5%) had hemangiomas of the head and neck. Six of the 175 (3%) required reconstruction following laser therapy. Tissue expansion was chosen for each of these reconstructions. Five females and 1 male underwent tissue expansion. The age of the patients at the time of tissue expansion ranged from 2.5 to 12 years, with an average of 6 years. Tissue expander sizes were 50 cc and 100 cc. Infection was seen during the course of expansion in 1 patient. Satisfactory results were achieved after reconstruction in all cases. Tissue expansion is the treatment of choice for reconstruction of head and neck hemangioma deformities following laser or other surgical procedures as well as involution.

Child↗
PubMed1997

Prevention of accidental extubation in burn patients.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the rate of accidental extubation in the burn patient population and to propose solutions. We found that the extubation rate was higher in burn patients (27%) than in the general surgical intensive care patient population (6%). Extubations occurred most frequently (66%) in conjunction with painful or invasive procedures. Methods of endotracheal tube stabilization are reviewed. Two techniques for stabilization in the patient with a burned face are presented.

Burns↗
PubMed1997

Management of hemangioma of infancy: review of 245 patients.

A retrospective study of patients treated from May of 1981 to April of 1994 was conducted. A total of 245 patients with 299 hemangiomas were studied, which represents the largest series reported to date. The study consisted of 173 females and 72 males ranging in age from 1 day to 59 years, with the average age being 4 years and 7 months. Twenty-six were premature neonates (14 females and 12 males). An interesting finding was a 1:1 sex ratio among this group in contrast to the 3:1 female-male ratio frequently reported in the literature. Onset was at birth in 170, within the first month in 43, and after the age of 1 month in 32 patients. Among the 245 patients, 175 hemangiomas were located on the head and neck, 62 on the trunk, 49 on the extremities, and 13 in the perineal area. Five groups of patients were defined based on clinical management. As a result, these groups are not similar. The five groups are as follows: group I (48), observation; group II (9), steroid treatment; group III (27), excision and reconstruction; group IV (88), laser therapy; and group V (73), combined therapy. The involved area of hemangioma was as follows: group 1, 0.5 x 0.5 to 20 x 8 cm; group II, 2 x 2 to 8 x 8 cm; group III, 0.4 x 0.8 to 7 x 7 cm; group IV, 0.5 x 0.5 to 20 x 9 cm; and group V, 1.5 x 1.5 to 25 x 25 cm. The complications of hemangioma seen at the time of consultation were obstruction (28.6 percent), ulceration (20.4 percent), bleeding (14.7 percent), infection (4.9 percent), and pain (0.4 percent). Treatment periods ranged from 1 month to 11 years, with the mean period in each group as follows: group I, 4 years and 9 months; group II, 2 years and 5 months; group III, 1 year and 1 month; group IV, 2 years and 1 month; and group V, 3 years. The outcomes of each patient were evaluated based on improvement of volume, color, and texture by the following scale: 1, poor (0 to 25 percent); 2, fair (26 to 50 percent); 3, good (51 to 75 percent); and 4, excellent (76 to 100 percent). Each of these parameters was summarized for each of the five groups. Statistical analysis by the Irwin-Fisher test was used for analysis and comparison of the final results between groups. Statistically significant differences in outcomes between treatment groups were demonstrated. Laser therapy was shown to be statistically superior to observation with regard to length of treatment and with regard to outcomes of volume and texture (p < 0.05).

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Lasers in plastic surgery: current practice.

A wide variety of lasers provides the plastic surgeon with treatment options that were not available previously. Appropriate, safe use of lasers complements the many therapeutic treatment options available to plastic surgeons. Lasers have introduced a new therapeutic modality. Because of the ways the skin and its defects may be altered with lasers, they will be an increasingly important part of plastic surgery.

Dermabrasion↗
PubMed1997

Digital imaging for plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Digital imaging provides many benefits to plastic surgical practice. While problems arise, there are many advantages. The ethical use of digital imaging may be a cost-effective, valuable asset to the practice of plastic surgery.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Laser resurfacing of the face.

Pulsed mode carbon dioxide laser allows precise ablation of fine facial tissue while minimizing thermal damage to the skin. Changes in the structure of dermal collagen may account for the overall tightening effect observed. Preoperative preparation of the skin is important to prevent postoperative pigment changes. Prophylactic antivirals are used to reduce the risk of Herpes infection. The carbon dioxide laser produces pain when applied to the skin and various anesthetic techniques may be used. After lasing, the face can be dressed with occlusive dressings or left open. Sunscreens are required after reepithelization.

Face↗
PubMed1997

Hair removal with the ruby laser (694 nm).

Hair removal with the ruby laser is one of the newest uses of laser technology. The laser seeks melanin in the hair shaft, and melanin content is highest during the growth phase of the hair follicle. Nursing care focuses on preparing the patient for the procedure, maintaining a safe operative environment, and teaching the patient skin care after the laser therapy.

Hair Removal↗