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Biomedical subjects

M Ninkovic

Publications and source records attributed to M Ninkovic.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Free functional rectus femoris muscle transfer for restoration of knee extension and defect coverage after trauma.

In March of 2000 and May of 2002, two patients underwent restoration of knee extension with a free neurovascular rectus femoris flap. The female patient was 10 years and the male patient 19 years old. Both patients sustained a complex trauma of the thigh with fracture of the femur and posttraumatic loss of quadriceps femoris muscles. Follow up of the patients was 51 and 27 months. After 8 months reinnervation were detected by Electromyography (EMG) in both patients and contraction became visible 2 months later. The female patient obtained a good and the male patient a very good functional result. Both patients were able to walk unaided. The authors concluded that free functional rectus femoris transfer can obtain excellent results in treating knee extension and soft-tissue defect due to trauma and loss of the quadriceps femoris muscles.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Status 5 years after bilateral hand transplantation.

Graft survival and function early after hand transplantation is good. It remains unknown, however, whether long-term survival is limited by chronic rejection. We here describe the clinical course and the status 5 years after bilateral hand transplantation with emphasis on immunosuppression (IS), function, morphology and graft vascular changes. Clinical observation, evaluation of hand function, skin biopsies, X-ray, ultrasound, angiography, CT angiography, electrophysiologic studies including compound motor and sensory action potentials (CMAP, CSAP) and somatosensory evoked potentials were performed and results recorded at regular intervals. Following reduction of IS one mild (grade II) rejection episode occurred at 4 years. Subsequently, skin histology remained normal and without signs of chronic rejection. Hand function continuously improved during the first 3 years and remained stable with minor improvement thereafter. CMAP and CSAP progressively increased during the observation period. Latencies of the cortical responses were prolonged but amplitudes were within normal range. Investigation of hand vessels revealed no signs of occlusion but showed revascularization of a primarily occluded right radialis artery. Motor and sensory function improved profoundly between years 1 and 5 after hand transplantation. No signs whatsoever of chronic rejection have been observed.

Angiography↗
PubMed2005

[Free and pedicled muscle transfer as a therapy option in urological surgery].

Various demands of reconstruction define restoration technique. The basic principle involves optimal anatomical and functional reconstruction with concurrent minimal donor-site morbidity. Dependent on the aetiology of the defect, there are various reconstructive possibilities available for obtaining an optimal result. An immediate single stage reconstruction, with the best possible result for the individual patient as the primary consideration, can be carried out by interdisciplinary teams. In this overview, the most common indications and principles of flap choice are presented in relation to the reconstructive requirements necessary for early rehabilitation of the patient or the earlier start of necessary adjuvant therapy.

Humans↗
PubMed2004

[Emergency free microvascular flap transfer for repair of a pharyngeal defect manifesting as carotid artery erosion hemorrhage].

We report on a case of an emergency free flap cover of a pharyngeal defect which was made necessary by aggressive digestive salivatory and radiation effects 3 weeks after neck-dissection and laser ablation of an epidermoid left tonsil carcinoma. Life threatening intraoral bleeding resulted from the erosion of branches of the external carotid artery. After management of the bleeding, massive blood transfusions and restoration of the patient's general condition, a sandwich patch cover of the transmural pharyngeal defect was achieved using a microvascular lateral arm flap. This aimed at preventing further digestive effects and bacterial colonisation of the neurovascular structures at the carotid triangle. Unfortunately, due to external mechanical forces, the flap became avascular and thus necrotic at the eighth postoperative day; however, until the successful replacement by a myocutaneous latissimus dorsi flap it remained water-tight and fulfilled its sealing task.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed2004

[Results of vacuum therapy (v.a.C.) of superficial and deep dermal burns].

BASIS: This prospective multi-centre study in co-operation with the Wake Forrest University covered the area of applications for treatment of fresh, superficial and deep dermal burns and scalds (grade II a-b). The micro-circulation relationships, wound healing time, extent of germ settlement and the connective tissue edema were of particular interest (together with the increase or decrease in burn depth). Moreover, the economical aspects were compared with conservative therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: his study was carried out on our intensive care ward on 11 patients suffering from burn injuries and we took the healing process as the basis (2001-2003). Inclusion criteria for the study were burns on both hands, degree II a-b, occurring trauma less than 6 hours ago and a treatment period of minimum 48 hours. In any case the hands inflicted with deeper and extensive burns (assessment by 2 experienced, independent appraising plastic surgeons) were subject to V.A.C. therapy. The standard conventional, conservative therapy applied to the other hand was taken for comparison or control purposes to determine the success. Since October 2001 we use the IC-View perfusography with ICG colouring (ICG pulsion, PULSION Medical Systems AG, Munich, Germany) for objective findings both previously and during the course of treatment. A respective quantitative analysis and assessment of the recorded video sequences were made with the help of special software (IC-CALC, PULSION Medical Systems AG, Munich, Germany). Here too, the intensity of the fluorescence indicated the blood circulation through the connective tissue and is on the same level. Basis for this method of study was the work of Holm et al. in our department. RESULTS: Above all, the results of our study revealed a significant reduction or prophylaxis of the connective tissue edema. Due to improvement in the micro-circulation, also supported by dynamic IC-View laser-fluorescence videography it could be determined that the wound healing process was quicker and without complication in the majority of cases. This was all the more true, although even when the extent of the deep dermal hand burns treated by V.A.C. therapy was greater than on the hand taken for comparison. Extending the therapy applied to the hand to the entire extremity could contribute to avoiding operative stress (escharotomy) in selected cases. Troublesome supporting of the hands and the ergotherapeutic use of splints were not necessary because of the exact fixation of the extremities ensured by the vacuum method. The advantage became more obvious when both the cost factor and time expenditure were considered and compared with previous conservative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In the near future the treatment of superficial and deep dermal burns/scalds by V.A.C. therapy can help in reducing the expenditure in time, material and personnel when treating large area wounds. A further advantage is not only to be seen in the optimised healing process in the case of superficial and deep dermal burn wounds but also in the reduction or even avoidance of extensive escharotomy with the accompanying operation trauma. In this respect close mesh control of the blood circulating conditions appeared to us to be important and as a result of our study V.A.C. therapy was approved in December 2002 for the treatment of superficial and deep dermal burns by FDA (Dept. of Health and Human Services).

Burns↗
PubMed2003

Free neurovascular transfer of latisstmus dorsi muscle for the treatment of bladder acontractility: II. Clinical results.

PURPOSE: Until now patients with bladder acontractility were destined to lifelong clean intermittent catheterization with all of its inherent risks. Previous experimental studies demonstrated that voluntary voiding can be restored by microneurovascular free transfer of a carefully selected muscle flap. We present the selection criteria, modifications in technique, followup schedule and long-term results in 20 patients treated with transplantation of latissimus dorsi muscle to the bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 20 patients with bladder acontractility requiring intermittent catheterization for at least 2 years we performed latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty. Preoperative evaluation included urodynamic assessment, cystoscopy, upper tract imaging and electromyography of the rectus muscle. The procedure involves transfer of a free neurovascular latissimus dorsi muscle flap to the pelvis where it is anastomosed to the lowest motor branches of the intercostal nerve and deep inferior epigastric vessels. Patients were instructed to attempt voluntary voiding 3 months postoperatively. Followup included urodynamic evaluation, biannual Doppler ultrasonography and annual dynamic computerized tomography. RESULTS: Annual dynamic computerized tomography and/or biannual Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated vascularization and contractility of all transplanted muscle flaps. Mean followup is 44 months (range 18 to 74). Of the 20 patients 14 were able to void spontaneously within 4 months postoperatively with post-void residual volumes of less than 100 cc, voluntary voiding was restored by bladder neck incision in 4 and 2 (10%) still require self-catheterization. Postoperative detrusor pressures ranged from 5 to 218 cm. H2O (mean 72, median 55). None of the patients had morphological and functional changes of the upper tract, or de novo incontinence postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Functioning free muscle transplantation was able to restore voluntary voiding in patients who had previously been dependent on long-term catheterization. Voluntary voiding has been maintained several years postoperatively without deterioration of upper tract function.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

A double-hand transplant can be worth the effort!

BACKGROUND: Composite-tissue transplantation offers a new therapeutic option for patients with loss of a hand. Little is known, however, about the long-term outcome after such a transplant with regard to graft function and immunosuppression and its side effects. We here report on our experience with a double-hand transplant performed more than 18 months ago. METHODS: Both distal forearms and hands of an age-, gender-, and size-matched cadaveric donor were transplanted to a 47-year-old policeman 6 years after loss of both hands. He received antithymocyte globulin as induction therapy and tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone as maintenance immunosuppression. Ganciclovir and co-trimoxazole were given prophylactically for cytomegalovirus and Pneumocystis carinii infection. A special rehabilitation program based mainly on cognitive therapy was designed and continued for 1 year. RESULTS: Apart from a small area of skin that became necrotic early and some arteriovenous fistulas in the left forearm, which required ligation 6 months after transplantation, there were no surgical complications. One acute rejection episode occurred on day 55 and resolved completely after high-dose steroids and topical tacrolimus. Despite ganciclovir prophylaxis, virus replication was observed. The patient became negative for cytomegalovirus only after additional treatment with foscarnet (Foscavir) and cidofovir. At the end of 18 months, graft function with regard to motility is overall 60% of normal and enables the patient to pursue activities he could not with his myoelectric prostheses. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent long-term results can be achieved with double-hand transplantation. Prerequisites are an appropriate surgical technique, careful immunosuppression, and an extensive rehabilitation program.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2002

[Technical refinements in planning and surgical therapy of pectus carinatum].

From 1998 to 2002 ten patients underwent surgical correction of pectus carinatum using a new diagnostic preoperative three-dimensional volume rendering mode computed tomography. Particularly the deformed rib cartilages can now also be visualized, which allows exact preoperative planning of the extent of cartilage resection and localization of required sternum osteotomies. This additional information results in a focused surgical approach and hence minimizes scars. As an additional innovation, resorbable plates and screws were used for refixation of the osteotomized parts of the sternum. For postoperative thorax immobilization and hypertrophic scar circumvention, a special keel chest brace was applied in all patients for 6-8 weeks. No complications occurred in any case, and all patients were very content with the aesthetic results achieved.

Absorbable Implants↗
PubMed2002

Double hand transplantation: functional outcome after 18 months.

In March 2000, we performed a double hand transplantation on a patient who had suffered traumatic hand amputations 6 years previously. The transplantations were both successful and, 18 months later, the patient has regained some complex hand functions and remarkably good tactile gnosis.

Amputation, Traumatic↗
PubMed2001

Fluorogenic assay for penicillin G acylase activity.

A simple, highly sensitive, and rapid assay for high-throughput screening of penicillin G acylase-producing bacteria is presented. The method is based on the specific release of fluorescent 7-amino-4-methyl-coumarin through cleavage of phenylacetyl-4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide by penicillin G acylase. The present method is suitable for screening pure enzymes as well as various penicillin G acylases like those from Escherichia coli, Proteus rettgeri, and Kluyvera citrophila in cell extracts. In addition, the new substrate was used for rapid assay of amidase activity in nondenaturing polyacrylamide gels.

Coumarins↗
PubMed2001

Restoring voluntary urinary voiding using a latissimus dorsi muscle free flap for bladder reconstruction.

We present our data using innervated latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) free flaps to assist acontractile bladder function. Twelve dogs were used. In group I (n = 3), the LDM flaps were elevated and wrapped around silicon reservoirs; in group II (n = 4), the LDM flaps were transferred into the pelvis and used to reconstruct bladders that had 50% of their detrusor muscle wall removed; group III (n = 5) was the same setup as group II but the bladder mucosa was also removed with 50% detrusor wall. The LDM flaps were electrically stimulated and electromyography, cystography, urodynamic, and hydrodynamic measurements were performed. In clinical studies, LDM flaps were used in 11 patients (age range, 9-68 years). Our animal studies demonstrated that LDM flaps are capable of generating pressures (190 cm H(2)O at 15 mL and 35 cm H(2)O at a 10 mL in group I at 6 months) to void the bladder. In group II, contractions were present after 9 months. Eight of 11 patients who underwent LDM free flap were able to void voluntarily and without catheterization. LDM flap activity was confirmed using ultrasonography/tomography. Our clinical studies indicated that contractile function can be restored using LDM free flaps.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

[Reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. Developments at the beginning of a new century].

Gastrointestinal segments are currently by far the most popular method to create a bladder substitute. Attempts have been made to further reduce the morbidity and burden for patients by using minimal invasive techniques for both cystectomy and urinary diversion. However, laparoscopy for acceptable forms of urinary diversion is time consuming and costly. A neobladder "off the shelf" would be a better solution. Tissue engineering is an exciting new field which enables the cultivation and expansion of individual bladder cells obtained by transurethral biopsy, the attachment of these cells to a support matrix, and their reimplantation into the body. Advances both in biomaterials as well as in the cultivation and expansion of bladder cells are described. Promising routine clinical applications of tissue engineering may still need several years. Free neurovascular muscle transfer to the bladder demonstrated both experimentally and clinically to be a suitable treatment modality in patients with bladder acontractility. This may therefore be the next logical step towards an improved bladder substitute by combining well vascularized flaps with urothelial cell seeding. Thus a combination of commonly used flap techniques and tissue engineering may soon be possible.

Forecasting↗
PubMed2001

High prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with chronic liver disease prior to liver transplantation.

Osteoporosis is a common complication of liver transplantation. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial, but preexisting bone disease in patients with chronic liver disease is likely to play an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone mineral density in adult patients with chronic liver disease prior to liver transplantation. A total of 243 consecutive patients (128 male, 115 female; mean age 51.1years) with chronic liver disease undergoing assessment for transplantation, were recruited over a 4-year period. BMD measurements were made using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in the lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck (FN). Osteoporosis and osteopenia were defined by WHO criteria. Osteoporosis at either L1-L4 or FN was present in 36.6%, osteopenia in 48.1%, and normal BMD in only 15.2% of patients. There was no difference in prevalence of osteoporosis between males and females (P = 0.442). Women with osteoporosis were on average 10 years older (56.2 +/- 1.4 years) than those with normal bone density (46.4 +/- 2.3 years) P = 0.002; in men, no statistically significant age effect was found. Patients with osteoporosis had on average lower body weight than those with normal bone density (64.9 +/- 1.8 kg vs 74.2 +/- 2.2 kg) P = 0.003. T-scores in patients with cholestatic liver disease were lower than in non-cholestatic disease and the lowest BMD values were found in patients with cystic fibrosis. Logistic regression revealed that in women, increasing age (P = 0.004; OR = 1.12; CI 1.04-1.21) and lower body weight (P = 0.01; OR = 0.95; CI 0.91-0.99) were significant independent risk factors for osteoporosis but menopausal status (P = 0.1; OR = 0.24; CI 0.05-1.32) and presence or absence of cholestasis (P = 0.326; OR = 1.54; CI 0.65-3.67) were not. There were no independent risk factors in men. This study demonstrates a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with chronic liver disease prior to liver transplantation, men and women being equally affected. With the exception of increasing age and lower body weight in women, no independent risk factors were found, emphasizing the importance of BMD measurements in these patients and the need for prophylactic measures to optimize bone health.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2001

Surgical technique and clinical application of the transverse gracilismyocutaneous free flap.

The unreliability of the distal skin component of the gracilis myocutaneous free flap has been frequently reported. To improve the reliability of the skin we orientated the cutaneous paddle in a transverse direction in the proximal third of the gracilis muscle, as first described by Yousif et al in 1993. Their anatomical studies showed that cutaneous branches of the dominant proximal pedicle have a pronounced tendency to travel in a transverse direction, supplying the skin anteriorly over the adductor longus and sartorius muscles and extending beyond the posterior margin of the gracilis muscle. We adopted this transverse design and transferred myocutaneous gracilis flaps measuring up to 17 x 9 cm. The transverse gracilis myocutaneous flap was dissected in the subfascial plane to include the peri-gracilis fascia, which preserved the fascial vascular network and thus optimised skin-paddle perfusion. Ten transverse gracilis myocutaneous free flaps were performed over 3 years. Skin paddles ranged in size from 10 x 7 cm (70 cm(2)) to 17 x 9 cm (153 cm(2)) with a mean of 113.4 cm(2). Five defects were located in the head and neck region, three in the lower leg, one in the thigh and one in the thorax. Patients were followed for an average of 16.6 months (range: 6--46 months). Minor complications (donor-site wound dehiscence and flap-wound-edge separation) occurred in four patients;however, all 10 flaps survived and healed with complete cutaneous survival.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[A new classification for standardizing nomenclature in wound closure by microvascular flap-plasty].

The profusion of terms currently used to describe microvascular flap wound closure according to the time of reconstruction makes reliable comparisons of outcomes between institutions difficult if not impossible. To address the issue, a consistent terminology applicable to microvascular flap wound closure in general was formulated with respect to our experience with a total of 197 microvascular tissue transplantations. The nomenclature presented divides microvascular flap closure into three categories: "primary microvascular flap closure" (within 24 hours). "delayed primary microvascular flap closure" (two to seven days), and "secondary microvascular flap closure" (after seven days). This is consistent with known biological, microbiological, and surgical principles of wound closure in general and should provide a simple basis for classifying microvascular flap wound closure. Sample cases are selected to illustrate the categories within this new classification scheme.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

High-fidelity in vitro recombination using a proofreading polymerase.

We describe a convenient PCR-based protocol for in vitro recombination of homologous genes, thereby minimizing the rate of associated point mutations. High-fidelity recombination conditions were obtained using Vent DNA polymerase, which, in contrast to Taq DNA polymerase, shows significant proofreading activity and ranges among the slowest thermostable DNA polymerases, allowing tight control of the polymerase-catalyzed DNA extension. To determine the mutagenesis rate and to analyze the efficiency of recombination, 89 clones from a standard experiment were randomly selected for further analysis. Sequence comparison revealed that 21% (19/89) of the clones result from different recombination events in the marker-containing region (260 bp). The overall mutation rate is only 0.02%, which is the lowest rate thus far reported for in vitro recombination experiments.

DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase↗