Analysis of the Anatomy of the Venae Comitantes Related to the Digital Artery

PURPOSE: Many descriptions of the digital arterial anatomy including skin territory of the finger have been published. Relatively few studies on venous architecture of the finger have been performed in this area, in part, attributable to the technical difficulties encountered in dissecting small vessels. The purpose of this study is to present the precise microsurgical anatomy of the vein related to the digital artery and venae comitantes of the components. METHODS: Arterial and venous anatomy of their relation to the fingers were examined in 38 specimens of two fresh cadavers and 36 clinical cases. All specimens were evaluated grossly, surgical microscopically, or/and light microscopically to observe the three & two-dimensional structure of the artery and joining vein, evidence of the venae comitantes, and venous valve. RESULTS: No longitudinal venae comitantes along the digital artery were found in any specimens. The size of the venae comitantes of each digital artery was much smaller than other vein, but always existed any level of digital artery. One or two venae comitantes in the digital artery ran spiral, oblique, helical, fibrillar, or irregular branched shape. The authors also found the vein of the finger, that had bicuspid valves, but not in venae comitantes. CONCLUSION: Recently, venous outflow problem rather than arterial circulation is the most common cause tissue failure after microvascular surgery in the hand. Sometimes, if it is not recognized early, there is an increased risk of tissue damage and loss. The authors concluded that this study presents a useful knowledge for the characterization of the venous structure and evidence for venae comitantes like a venule in the digital artery at varying levels of the finger.

Ultrasound-Guided Closed Reduction of Nasal Bone Fracture

PURPOSE: Nasal bone fracture may be the most common fracture among facial trauma. However, diagnosis and treatment tend to be overlooked while the reduction and maintenance of fragments remain complicated. Thus, the results are plagued with high rate of nasal deformity which leads cosmetic and functional discomfort. We took advantage of the fact that the nasal bone is one of the thinnest facial bone while at the same time being located close to the skin and utilized ultrasound in performing reduction of nasal bone. METHODS:This method was performed on 25 patients with nasal bone fracture. The CL 15-7 linear array transducer (10-15MHz) ultrasound which provides a total of 7 views (3 axial views and 4 transverse views) of the elevator under the bony fragments was enough for the surgeon to accurately perform the reduction. RESULTS: In our class, an accurate and precise reduction has been made possible by real time images before, during, and after the procedure with the help of ultrasound while reducing the exposure to radiation. CONCLUSION: Compared to previous methods, satisfaction of patients has increased in the nasal tip, minimal fracture of the side wall and secondary reduction cases. Therefore, the incorporation of ultrasound in the closed reduction of nasal bone may prove to be a useful method.

The Expression of Caspase 3 and p21 in Renal Cell Carcinoma / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the Caspase 3 and p21 expression level and to understand the correlation between Caspase 3 expression and the clinical factors in renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two patients with renal cell carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Immunohistochemical staining of Caspase 3 and p21 was performed in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using rabbit polyclonal antibody (Caspase 3) and mouse antibody (p21). The Caspase 3 and p21 expression levels were compared with the TNM stage, Fuhrman grade, pathological type and survival rates. RESULTS: The Caspase 3 expression level correlated only with the Fuhrman grade (p=0.017). There was no significant correlation between the Caspase 3 and p21 expression level. The prognostic values did not correlate with the Caspase 3 and p21 expression level. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic value of the Caspase 3 expression level in renal cell carcinoma was insufficient. The relationship between Caspase 3 and p21 was not proven in renal cell carcinoma, and new factors may be implicated with Caspase 3.