The diffusion of medical technology is a complex process dependent upon the character of the industry, cost of investment and adoption, sophistication of users and their environments, general-use standards, user prestige, patient distribution, government regulations, and scale of operation. The one positive influence with the greatest impact on the rate of adoption of a new technology is the third-party-payer system. The more we understand those parameters affecting the diffusion of technology in medicine, the more we will be able to provide society with good care in a reasonable cost.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Nasal reconstruction by frontal flaps].

A series of 51 nasal reconstructions using diverse forehead flaps is reviewed: the authors report their experience as well as the choices they made among various reconstructive procedures. 6 forehead flaps were selected in anticipation of solving most of the cases. The technical procedures devoted to the reconstruction of the inner plane and osteocartilagenous support are discussed. The complications are reported. Evaluation of the aesthetic result is quite subjective and thus rather difficult to quantify: limited defects give rather good results whereas more extended amputations such as those reaching the maxilla do not give accurate results.

Humans↗