Characterization of Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Validation of the Banking Procedure for Autologous Transplantation.

Adipose tissue (AT) is composed of a heterogeneous population which comprises both progenitor and differentiated cells. This heterogeneity allows a variety of roles for the AT, including regenerative functions. In fact, autologous AT is commonly used to repair soft tissue defects, and its cryopreservation could be a useful strategy to reduce the patient discomfort caused by multiple harvesting procedures. Our work aimed to characterize the cryopreserved AT and to validate its storage for up to three years for clinical applications. AT components (stromal vascular fraction-SVF and mature adipocytes) were isolated in fresh and cryopreserved samples using enzymatic digestion, and cell viability was assessed by immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Live, apoptotic and necrotic cells were quantified using cytometry by evaluating phosphatidylserine binding to fluorescent-labeled Annexin V. A multiparametric cytometry was also used to measure adipogenic (CD34+CD90+CD31-CD45-) and endothelial (CD34+CD31+CD45-) precursors and endothelial mature cells (CD34-CD31+CD45-). The maintenance of adipogenic abilities was evaluated using in vitro differentiation of SVF cultures and fluorescent lipid staining. We demonstrated that AT that is cryopreserved for up to three years maintains its differentiation potential and cellular composition. Given our results, a clinical study was started, and two patients had successful transplants without any complications using autologous cryopreserved AT.

Novel three-dimensional acellular dermal matrix for prepectoral breast reconstruction: First year in review with BRAXON® Fast.

Implant-based breast reconstruction is part of breast cancer treatment, and increasingly optimized reconstructive procedures exploit highly biocompatible materials to ensure enhanced aesthetic-functional results. Acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) are collagen-based materials that made prepectoral implant placement possible, thanks to their bioactive antifibrosis action. Recently, the first three-dimensional ADM, BRAXON® Fast, has been produced. Its 3D design represents the technological evolution of BRAXON® ADM, a flat collagen matrix, and allows for a time-saving complete wrapping of the synthetic prosthesis, thus creating a total biological interface on the implant with patient's tissues. Here, we report our experience on the first 23 eligible patients who received BRAXON® Fast-assisted prepectoral reconstruction. On a total of 27 breasts, the overall complication rate was 11.1%, including one minor seroma (3.7%), one case of necrosis (3.7%), and one implant removal due to infection. As new-generation devices, 3D ADMs showed an effective performance, allowing to reduce the overall exposure time for implant preparation and providing an optimal safety profile.

Feasibility study on equine acellular pericardium matrix (APM): A new tool for breast reconstruction.

The advent of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for lower pole coverage allows immediate reconstructions with improved aesthetic outcomes and faster recovery. This study describes for the first time, the use of a new acellular pericardium matrix (APM) in implant-based breast reconstruction and characterises its safety profile. Equity is a membrane with a natural cross-linked structure with many of the properties of ADMs, but improved resistance and reduced thickness. A retrospective data collection of all Equity APM reconstructions was conducted at two Italian hospital centres with substantial experience using biomaterials. Between May 2013 and October 2018, a total of 63 APM-assisted breast reconstructions were performed in 55 women. The reconstructed breasts were small to medium and the mean implant weight was 285 g, ranging from 145 g to 685 g. Two patients were previously irradiated while seven received post-operative radiation; five were active smokers and six were hypertensive. Complications included visibility in the upper pole (9.5%), seroma (1.6%), dehiscence, infection and necrosis (3.2% for each). Implant loss occurred in 3.2% of the cases. The patients were highly satisfied, reporting scores above 50 for each section of the Breast-Q questionnaire. With an acceptable complication rate, the use of the equine APM can be considered safe with satisfactory aesthetic results. Although the retrospective nature of this study limits its clinical impact, the use of Equity can be considered a viable alternative to thicker and expensive ADMs.

Cryopreserved fascia lata allograft use in surgical facial reanimation: a retrospective study of seven cases.

BACKGROUND: Facial palsy treatment comprises static and dynamic techniques. Among dynamic techniques, local temporalis transposition represents a reliable solution to achieve facial reanimation. The present study describes a modification of the temporalis tendon transfer using a cryopreserved fascia allograft. CASE PRESENTATION: Between March 2015 and September 2018, seven patients with facial palsy underwent facial reanimation with temporalis tendon transfer and fascia lata allograft. Patients with long-term palsy were considered, and both physical and social functions were evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 21.5 months. No immediate complications were observed. Patients reported improvement in facial symmetry both in static and dynamic. Improvement was noticed also in articulation, eating, drinking, and saliva control. The Facial Disability Index revealed an improvement both in physical function subscale and in the social/well-being function subscale. CONCLUSIONS: This modified orthodromic technique allows to reduce the operative time and the risk of complications connected to the use of autologous tissues. The use of the cryopreserved fascia allografts from cadaveric donors seems to provide promising and long-standing results in the treatment of facial palsy.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the prepectoral breast reconstruction with Braxon dermal matrix: First multicenter European report on 100 cases.

We report the outcomes of the European prospective study on prepectoral breast reconstruction using preshaped acellular dermal matrix for complete breast implant coverage. Seventy-nine patients were enrolled between April 2014 and August 2015 all over Europe using a single protocol for patient selection and surgical procedure, according to the Association of Breast Surgery and British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons joint guidelines for the use of acellular dermal matrix in breast surgery. The preshaped matrix completely wraps the breast implant, which is placed above the pectoralis major, without detaching the muscle. A total of 100 prepectoral breast reconstructions with complete implant coverage were performed. This series, with mean follow-up of 17.9 months, had two cases of implant loss (2.0%) including one necrosis of the nipple and one wound breakdown (1.0% respectively). No implant rotations were observed. Good cosmetic outcomes were obtained with natural movement of the breasts and softness to the touch; none of the patients reported experiencing pain or reduction in the movements of the pectoralis major muscle postoperatively. The use of preshaped acellular dermal matrix for a complete breast implant coverage in selected patients is safe and gives satisfactory results, both from the aesthetic view point and the low postoperative complication rates. Further studies reporting long-term outcomes are planned.

The Use of "Precapsular Space" in Secondary Breast Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic capsule formation is a physiological phenomenon occurring around breast implants. In case of capsular contracture, several surgical techniques are described; among them, total capsulectomy is considered the gold standard, but it is not free of complications. A more conservative procedure is the use of "precapsular space", leaving intact the preexisting capsule. The method presents minor complications and further advantages over total capsulectomy. METHOD: From November 2010 to June 2014, we treated 92 postmastecttomy patients who previously underwent implant-based reconstruction. They presented implant malposition (bottoming-out, double bubble deformity, upward migration) and different degrees of capsular contracture. The implant was repositioned in a neoprecapsular pocket. Sixty-eight out of 92 patients presented a follow-up longer than 24 months, and they are included in the present study. They were evaluated with a questionnaire 1 month before surgery, at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Moreover, two independent plastic surgeons completed the same questionnaire at 6 months and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: Mean follow-up is 29 months. Baker III-IV capsular contracture occurred in 9.5 % of the patients, implant malposition in 2.9 % of the cases and no implant displacement rotation was observed. Patient self-assessment preoperatively and postoperatively (at 2 years) revealed improved cosmetic outcomes (p < 0.01). Surgeon assessment correlated with patient self-assessment. CONCLUSION: The use of precapsular space, first described for aesthetic augmentation, is a valid alternative to total capsulectomy for the treatment of capsular contracture or implant malposition, even in the reconstructive field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that the authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .