Biomedical subjects

D Van Zele

Publications and source records attributed to D Van Zele.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Breast implants. A review.

Breast implants have been used for about four decades for both reconstructive and aesthetic purposes. In 1963, the quality of the artificial implants was revolutionized by the introduction of the silicone gel-filled implant. Since, this modern prosthesis has gone through an evolution of change and improvement with several types of devices with many variations and styles within each class. Actually, for the last three decades, approximately one million women have received silicone breast implants in the USA. But, in 1992, the American FDA banned silicone from the market, leaving saline implants as the only product generally available as an alternative until now. Other filler materials were introduced, but have never progressed beyond the experimental stage in the USA (in contrast with Europe). The evolution of the different implants through time, with their advantages and disadvantages will be discussed, but also the controversy on silicone implants in the USA and their suspected association with systemic diseases.

Autoimmune Diseases↗

PubMed2003

[Coverage of defects: principles].

The coverage of defects is a broad field with which the plastic surgeon is confronted daily within traumatic, tumoral or other context. The various techniques used are skin graft and flaps, forming both heterogeneous groups. Indeed, there are various types of skin graft although a common denominator is the need for a good recipient site in order to allows an adequate "take". On the other hand, flaps carry their own vascularization. Thus, they are not dependent of the recipient site for their survival. Those are divided into three groups: local flaps, pedicled flaps and free flaps. The choice of the adequate technique with respect to the defect to be covered depends on the characteristics of the defect, its localization, the functional requirements of the area, the exposed structures, the medical status of the patient. The possible morbidity left on the donor site the aesthetic and functional goals are taken into consideration. For each case, there are often several good options as well as others less optimal solutions. The existing solutions are often so numerous that the plastic surgeon is frequently able to solve all the types of defects.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

PubMed2001

[Management of hemangiomas and vascular malformations].

Vascular anomalies can be classified as hemangiomas or vascular malformations. Hemangiomas are benign neoplasms, frequently diagnosed in infancy. The vast majority of these anomalies are totally harmless and spontaneously regress, although they often worry the parents because of esthetic reasons. Only a few (1/4), however, are endangering and will require therapy. Vascular malformations are rather vessel abnormalities which, unlike hemangiomas, persist. They require a thorough evaluation and most will benefit from an intervention. The recent development of informative imaging techniques (ultrasonography, Dopplerflow imaging and magnetic resonance) has permitted significant advances in the etiology and therapy of these vascular anomalies. All too often, these patients shuffle from physician-to-physician seeking help. Thus the authors recommend a multidisciplinary approach. This team should include a plastic surgeon, a radiologist and a paediatrician.

Arteriovenous Malformations↗