ABSTRACT
This report describes the detailed construction, experimental basis, and clinical application of a reliable double microvascular clamp that can be built from inexpensive parts that are readily available. Twenty-five clinical free-tissue transfers were performed using this clamp with an acceptable free-flap survival rate.
Subject(s)
Microsurgery/instrumentation , Plastic Surgery Procedures/instrumentation , Vascular Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Adult , Animals , Constriction , Female , Humans , Male , RatsABSTRACT
A new technique in aesthetic plastic surgery called Percutaneous Selective Radio-frequency Neuroablation (PSRN) is proposed. Radio-frequency energy is applied via the percutaneous route to interrupt selected terminal fibers of the facial nerve in order to modify the facial dynamics. An easy-to-construct electronic system is used to perform both three-dimensional perioperative location (by means of electrical stimulation) and percutaneous electrofulguration of the target nerve. PSRN was found useful in ameliorating noticeable forehead and frown wrinkles caused by muscular hyperactivity as well as in achieving a more balanced face in cases of unilateral postrhytidectomy facial paralysis of the temporal branch of the facial nerve. Twenty-one patients underwent PSRN with encouraging results. In this report, the electrophysiological bases, technique, animal experiments, and initial clinical experience of PSRN are presented.
