Pilot study on high-resolution radiological methods for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt valves.

OBJECTIVES: Despite their life-saving capabilities, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunts exhibit high failure rates, with a large fraction of failures attributed to the regulating valve. Due to a lack of methods for the detailed analysis of valve malfunctions, failure mechanisms are not well understood, and valves often have to be surgically explanted on the mere suspicion of malfunction. The presented pilot study aims to demonstrate radiological methods for comprehensive analysis of CSF shunt valves, considering both the potential for failure analysis in design optimization, and for future clinical in-vivo application to reduce the number of required shunt revision surgeries. The proposed method could also be utilized to develop and support in situ repair methods (e.g. by lysis or ultrasound) of malfunctioning CSF shunt valves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary methods described are contrast-enhanced radiographic time series of CSF shunt valves, taken in a favorable projection geometry at low radiation dose, and the machine-learning-based diagnosis of CSF shunt valve obstructions. Complimentarily, we investigate CT-based methods capable of providing accurate ground truth for the training of such diagnostic tools. Using simulated test and training data, the performance of the machine-learning diagnostics in identifying and localizing obstructions within a shunt valve is evaluated regarding per-pixel sensitivity and specificity, the Dice similarity coefficient, and the false positive rate in the case of obstruction free test samples. RESULTS: Contrast enhanced subtraction radiography allows high-resolution, time-resolved, low-dose analysis of fluid transport in CSF shunt valves. Complementarily, photon-counting micro-CT allows to investigate valve obstruction mechanisms in detail, and to generate valid ground truth for machine learning-based diagnostics. Machine-learning-based detection of valve obstructions in simulated radiographies shows promising results, with a per-pixel sensitivity >70%, per-pixel specificity >90%, a median Dice coefficient >0.8 and <10% false positives at a detection threshold of 0.5. CONCLUSIONS: This ex-vivo study demonstrates obstruction detection in cerebro-spinal fluid shunt valves, combining radiological methods with machine learning under conditions compatible to future in-vivo application. Results indicate that high-resolution contrast-enhanced subtraction radiography, possibly including time-series data, combined with machine-learning image analysis, has the potential to strongly improve the diagnostics of CSF shunt valve failures. The presented method is in principle suitable for in-vivo application, considering both measurement geometry and radiological dose. Further research is needed to validate these results on real-world data and to refine the employed methods. In combination, the presented methods enable comprehensive analysis of valve failure mechanisms, paving the way for improved product development and clinical diagnostics of CSF shunt valves.

Enhanced effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride application with light curing on natural dentin carious lesions: an in vitro study.

This study aimed to compare the mean mineral density difference (mMDD) and surface morphology of 10- and 60-s silver diamine fluoride (SDF)-applied dentin carious lesions and to study the effect of an additional 20-s light curing (LC) on SDF-treated teeth. Forty primary molar blocks with natural dentin carious lesions were measured for baseline lesion depth and mineral density using Image-Pro Plus software. The samples were randomly distributed into 4 groups; 38% SDF applied for 1) 10-s (10SDF), 2) 60-s (60SDF), 3) 10-s + LC (10SDF + LC), 4) 60-s + LC (60SDF + LC) and an additional control group to assess the outcome of pH-cycling only. Then all the groups underwent a 7-d bacterial pH-cycling. The dentin carious lesions' mMDD was determined by digital subtraction radiographic analysis. The surface morphology and elemental profile were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mMDD of the dentin lesions was analyzed using two-way ANOVA, generalized linear models analysis. Light curing was the only factor that affected the mMDD (p = 0.007). The mMDD in the 10SDF + LC and 60SDF + LC groups were significantly higher than those without light curing (p = 0.041 and 0.041, respectively). The 60SDF + LC group demonstrated a significantly higher mMDD than the 10SDF group (p = 0.010), while that in the 10SDF + LC group was similar to the 60SDF group (p = 1.00). Scanning electron microscopy revealed denser mineral content layers, which were likely silver and chloride, in the 10SDF + LC and 60SDF + LC groups than in the 10SDF and 60SDF groups, respectively. In conclusion, shortened application time with light curing enhanced SDF remineralization similarly to the conventional method.

Digital subtraction radiography in detection of vertical root fractures: accuracy evaluation for root canal filling, fracture orientation and width variables. An ex-vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: Ex-vivo evaluation of the detectability of vertical root fractures (VRFs) using digital subtraction radiography (DSR) and conventional digital periapical radiography (CDPR); investigation of the effect of root canal filling, x-ray angulation, and thickness of the VRF in the diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty root canals were mechanically prepared and radiographed either with a gutta-percha root canal filling or without, at 0o and ± 10o. VRFs were introduced with a universal testing machine. The width and angulation of the fracture line with the radiographic beam were calculated. DSR was performed comparing radiographs obtained prior to and after the VRF induction. Five examiners evaluated the resultant images and analysis was performed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) statistics and binary logistic regression tests. RESULTS: No significant differences in sensitivity, specificity, and the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) between the CDPR and DSR were detected (p > 0.05), except for root canal filled teeth where the AUC for DSR was higher (p < 0.05). Using DSR, a VRF was 1.3 times more likely to be diagnosed [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.045-1.59; p = 0.018]. A correct diagnosis was 2.399 times more likely to occur in non-filled teeth regardless of the radiographic technique (95% CI 1.940-2.965; p = 0). The regression coefficients were positive for width and negative for angle. CONCLUSIONS: DSR showed a better diagnostic accuracy of VRFs compared with CDPR, in single root canal filled teeth. The angulation, the width, and the presence of a root canal filling affected the diagnostic potential. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DSR is a cost- and time-effective imaging technique that could contribute in early diagnosis of VRFs.

The Effect of Resin Infiltration on the Progression of Proximal Caries Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the effect of resin infiltration on the progression of proximal caries lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-one patients, aged between 15 and 33 years, with 2 or more non-cavitated proximal caries lesions were included. In 41 of the adolescent and young adults, 45 pairs of proximal lesions with radiological extension into the inner and outer half of the enamel, or into the outer third of the dentin, were randomly allocated to the test groups (resin infiltration application + fluoridated toothpaste and flossing use) or to the control group (fluoridated toothpaste and flossing use). Standardized geometrically aligned digital bitewing radiographs were obtained using individual biting holders. The radiographic progression of the lesions was assessed after 1 year by digital-subtraction radiography. The McNemar test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the test group 1/45 of the lesions (2.2%) and in the control group 9/45 of the lesions (20%) showed progression. The caries progression rate of the control group was significantly higher than that of the test group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Resin infiltration of proximal caries lesions is effective in reducing progression of the lesion.

Treatment of intrabony defects with modified perforated membranes in aggressive periodontitis: subtraction radiography outcomes, prognostic variables, and patient morbidity.

OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate bone/graft density alterations by digital subtraction radiography; (2) to determine factors associated with favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes, and (3) to report on patient morbidity after guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adapting a split-mouth design, 30 comparative intrabony defects in 15 patients were randomly treated with xenogenic graft plus modified perforated membranes (MPM, tests) or xenogenic graft plus standard collagen membranes (CM, controls). The time period of observation was 12 months. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters within each group, without intergroup differences. However, higher PPD reduction for three-wall defects was noted in MPM sites (5.22 versus 3.62 mm; p = 0.033). Moreover, a significant gain in bone/graft density of 4.9% from 6 to 12 months post-operatively was observed in test sites. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that morphology of intrabony defects was a predictor of CAL gain (p = 0.06), while independent prognostic variables effecting changes in bone/graft density were radiographic defect depth (p = 0.025) and radiographic angle (p = 0.033). The majority of patients reported some discomfort, pain, and edema with mild intensity without any significant differences between treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated enhanced bone/graft density gain after GTR with MPM, which may indicate greater area of new bone formation. Independent variables effecting treatment outcomes were intrabony defect morphology, radiographic defect depth, and radiographic angle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the regenerative treatment of intrabony defects in AgP patients and identifies some variables with prognostic value.

Accuracy of Digital Subtraction Radiography in the Detection of Vertical Root Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of digital subtraction radiography in the diagnosis of vertical root fractures (VRFs). METHODS: Twenty decoronated uniradicular human teeth were placed in the alveoli of a dry mandible and radiographed twice, first without (unfilled roots) and then with (filled roots) a gutta-percha cone placed into the root canal. Roots were then removed from the dry mandible, and vertical fractures were created with the aid of a universal testing machine. The fractured roots were repositioned in the mandibular alveoli and again radiographed twice. Radiographic images were subtracted by using the Regeemy software in 3 test situations: group 1, initial radiographic images of unfilled roots and images of fractured or non-fractured unfilled roots; group 2, initial radiographic images of unfilled roots and images of fractured or non-fractured filled roots; and group 3, initial radiographic images of filled roots and images of fractured or non-fractured filled roots. Three examiners evaluated all the original digital radiographs, as well as the subtracted images, for the presence or absence of VRFs. Numerical data were subject to statistical analysis with the use of receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: The areas under the ROC curve for groups 1, 2, and 3 were 0.86, 0.73, and 0.66, respectively. For the original digital radiographs, areas under the ROC curve were 0.80 (without gutta-percha) and 0.73 (with gutta-percha). No statistically significant differences were found between subtracted and original images. CONCLUSIONS: Digital subtraction radiography could be considered as an alternative tool for the investigation of VRFs because of its comparable diagnostic accuracy to existing methods.

Retrospective study on marginal bone loss around maxillary anterior implants with or without bone graft / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: This study is to evaluate the clinical significance of implantation with simultaneous bone graft by comparing the marginal bone loss around maxillary anterior implants with or without bone graft MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated with implant-retained restorations on maxillary anterior region at Implant Center, Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University between June 2011 and May 2014 were included in this study. Date of implant placement, implant diameter, implant length, implant-abutment connection type and whether the bone graft was done were investigated. The patient's periapical radiographs taken immediately after implantation and at the most recent visit were compared. Marginal bone loss was measured using Emago advanced v5.6 program (Oral diagnostic systems, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Statistical analysis was done in independent t-test by using SPSS 22.0 program. RESULTS: As a result of observing on 83 implants (without bone graft: 44, with bone graft: 39) of 52 patients for 6 - 45 months (average: 18.4 months), implants without bone graft showed 1.42 ± 0.42 mm, implants with bone graft showed 1.28 ± 0.45 mm of marginal bone loss. CONCLUSION: In limitations of this study, implants with simultaneous bone graft had significantly less marginal bone loss than implants without bone graft.

Exposure time reduction of secondary radiographs used in digital subtraction radiography in detecting intrabony change.

OBJECTIVES: Digital subtraction radiography (DSR) is a suitable technique for detecting incipient bone changes. However, in DSR, one or more follow-up radiographs must be taken. The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of reducing the exposure time for the radiographs that follow the initial one. METHODS: Maxillary premolar and molar radiographic images of a dry skull were taken with a digital radiography system. The initial radiographs, without bone chips, were taken at 0.32 and 0.16 s. Then, five bone chips (weight range 7-15 mg) were placed on the maxillary molar buccal side of the dry skull. Secondary radiographs were taken at 0.32-, 0.16-, 0.08-, 0.04-, and 0.02-s exposure times. For each bone chip, radiographs were taken three times. The secondary and initial images were subtracted to yield subtraction images. Four observers were asked to evaluate bone change visibility in the subtraction images. The Friedman test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Significant differences were seen at each of the settings for the 0.32-s group (p = 1.24e-030) and 0.16-s group (p = 7.52e-009). By comparing the different groups, observer evaluations indicated that visibility changed when the secondary radiograph was taken at 1/8 of the exposure time of the initial radiograph. In both groups, the visibility of the 0.02-s subtraction image was significantly lower than that of the other subtraction images. CONCLUSION: In DSR, the exposure time of the secondary radiograph can be reduced to 1/4 of the exposure time of the initial radiograph.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of direct digital radiography system, filtered images, and subtraction radiography.

BACKGROUND: TO COMPARE THE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF THREE DIFFERENT IMAGING SYSTEMS: Direct digital radiography system (DDR-CMOS), four types of filtered images, and a priori and a posteriori registration of digital subtraction radiography (DSR) in the diagnosis of proximal defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The teeth were arranged in pairs in 10 blocks of vinyl polysiloxane, and proximal defects were performed with drills of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm diameter. Kodak RVG 6100 sensor was used to capture the images. A posteriori DSR registrations were done with Regeemy 0.2.43 and subtraction with Image Tool 3.0. Filtered images were obtained with Kodak Dental Imaging 6.1 software. Images (n = 360) were evaluated by three raters, all experts in dental radiology. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (Az) were higher for DSR images with all three drills (Az = 0.896, 0.979, and 1.000 for drills 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mm, respectively). The highest values were found for 1-mm drills and the lowest for 0.25-mm drills, with negative filter having the lowest values of all (Az = 0.631). CONCLUSION: The best method of diagnosis was by using a DSR. The negative filter obtained the worst results. Larger drills showed the highest sensitivity and specificity values of the area under the ROC curve.

Comparison of Accuracy of Conventional Periapical Radiography and Direct Digital Subtractions Radiography with or without Image Enhancement in the Diagnosis of Density Changes.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In periapical radiographic technique, the changes will be visible only after considerable deposi-tion or resorption while digital subtraction technique visualizes slight density changes. This study was aimed to compare visualization of density changes in conventional periapical radiographs and digital subtraction technique with or without image enhancement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three dry human mandibles with unspecified age and gender were selected. Conventional periapical and direct digital radiographs were taken from the anterior, and right and left posterior regions by step-wise placement of aluminum plates until the image of the plate was clearly visible. The radiographs taken with the direct digital technique were subtracted from the first radiograph using Photoshop software. Three observers evaluated the radiographs and the digital subtraction images with or without image enhancement. The density was recorded in each radiograph in which the image of the aluminum plate was completely visible. RESULTS: In all mandibles, the differences in diagnosis of densitychanges between the conventional periapical radiographic technique and the direct digital subtraction radiographic technique with or without image enhancement were statistically significant irrespective of the region under study (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the diagnosis of density changes in all the three mandibles in the left and right posterior regions between the two radiographic techniques. However, the differences in the anterior region were statistically significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Direct digital subtraction radiographic technique with or without image enhancement is a more efficacious technique in exhibiting minor density changes compared to conventional periapical radiographic technique.

Avaliação longitudinal do selamento de dentina cariada em lesões profundas de cárie / Longitudinal study on the sealing of carious dentine in deep caries lesions

Este estudo avaliou clínica e radiograficamente dentes com lesões profundas de carie submetidos ao selamento de dentina cariada por 10 anos. Trinta e dois dentes permanentes foram submetidos à remoção parcial de dentina cariada da parede pulpar da cavidade, remoção completa da dentina cariada das paredes laterais (critério de dureza clinica), forramento com cimento à base de hidróxido de cálcio, selamento provisório por 6-7 meses, reabertura da cavidade (finalidades metodológicas: avaliação clínica da dentina e coleta de uma amostra para análise microbiológica) e restauração. Os pacientes foram avaliados clínica e radiograficamente na consulta inicial, após 6-7 meses, 1 ano e meio, 3, 5 e 10 anos. Análises radiográficas qualitativas (deposição de dentina terciária e profundidade da lesão cariosa) e quantitativas (alterações na densidade radiográfica da zona radiolúcida abaixo da restauração através da subtração radiográfica digital) foram realizadas comparando-se as radiografias bitewings de 6-7 meses, 3 e 10 anos com a radiografia inicial. Dos 32 dentes, um sofreu exposição pulpar durante a remoção do material provisório e foi excluído da amostra. Ao final de 10 anos, um paciente teve sua restauração substituída e quatro desistiram de participar da pesquisa. Dos 26 dentes restantes, 16 apresentaram sucesso da terapia (vitalidade pulpar) e 10 apresentaram insucesso da terapia (5 necroses e 5 fraturas)...

This study assessed clinically and radiographically teeth with deep canes lesions submitted to the sealing of carious dentine over a 10-year period. Thirty-two permanent teeth were submitted to partial caries removal from the pulpal cavity wall, complete removal of carious dentine from the surrounding walls (clinical hardness criteria), capping with a calcium hydroxide cement, temporary sealing for 6-7 months, cavity reopening (methodological purposes: clinical assessment of dentine and collection of a sample for microbiological analysis) and filling. Patients were clinically and radiographically assessed at the initial session and after 1.5; 3; 5 and 10 years. Radiographic assessments were performed comparing bitewing radiographs taken after 6-7 months, 3 and 10 years to the baseline one, both qualitatively (tertiary dentine deposition and lesion depth) and quantitatively (radiographic density changes in the radiolucent zone beneath the restoration using digital subtraction radiography). One tooth had its pulp exposed during temporary sealing removal and was excluded from the sample...

Accuracy of digital subtraction radiography in combination with a contrast media in assessment of proximal caries depth.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Radiography is used to diagnose the demineralization process and carious lesions; however, conventional radiography and direct digital images do not show these lesions when the amount of demineralization is less than 40%. Digital subtraction radiography has recently been used to improve the diagnostic quality of these le-sions. The purpose of this study was to compare the caries depth estimated by digital subtraction radiog-raphy in combination with barium sulfate in diag-nosing proximal dental caries with histopathologic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study 30 molars and premolars (24 demineralized lesions with cavity, 8 without cavity) were studied. Direct digital images were taken (kVp: 68, mA: 8; t: 0.12 for premolars and t: 0.16 for molars) whereas the position of X-ray tube and CCD receptor and teeth was fixed. To prepare the second images 135 gr/L barium sulfate was used. The images obtained with the same exposure and geometry and then subtracted. The depth of the lesions in direct digital and subtracted images were assessed and compared with the depth measured in histopathologic assessments. RESULTS: The mean depths (± SD) of the lesions were 1.80 ± 0.77 mm in direct digital radiography, 2.32 ± 0.76 mm in subtracted images after barium sulfate treatment, and 2.51 ± 0.43 mm in histopathologic sections. The statistical difference between direct digital radiography and the other methods was significant (P < 0.05). However, the differences were not statistically significant between subtracted images and histopathologic sections. The average intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.7241 (CI: 95%). CONCLUSION: The present study has demonstrated that digital subtraction radiography images have the potential to measure the depth of proximal caries with no significant difference with histopathologic evaluation.

Clinical analysis of 10 cases of moyamoya disease / 中国基层医药

Objective To investigate clinical features,neuroradiological diagnosis and therapy of moyamoya. Methods 10 cases of moyamoya's clinical features,neuroradiological diagnosis and therapy were analysed retrospec- tively.Results In this group,there were more adults(7 cases) than children patients(3 cases);children patients pre- sented predominantly brain ischemia symptoms;stenosis or occlusion at the terminus of the siphon portions of internal carotid arteries(ICA) and proximal portions of anterior or middle cerebral arteries(ACA or MCA),and abnormal vascular networks at the base of brain were noted by the magnetic resonance angiography(MRA) and digital subtrac- tion radiography(DSA).Conclusion Children patients of moyamoya diseases presents predominantly brain isehemia s yjnptoms.MRA or DSA of brain investigation is the main way to diagnose moyamoya disease in the early age.Early diagnosis and promptly medical intervention are effective ways to improve prognosis of moyamoya disease.

Factors affecting root curvature of mandibular first molar / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To find the cause of root curvature by use of panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiograph. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty six 1st graders whose mandibular 1st molars just emerged into the mouth were selected. Panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiograph were taken at grade 1 and 6, longitudinally. In cephalometric radio graph, mandibular plane angle, ramus-occlusal plane angle, gonial angle, and gonion-gnathion distance (Go-Gn distance) were measured. In panoramic radio graph, elongated root length and root angle were measured by means of digital subtraction radiography. Occlusal plane-tooth axis angle was measured, too. Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the relationships between root curvature and elongated length and longitudinal variations of all variables. Multiple regression equation using related variables was computed. RESULTS: The Pearson correlation coefficient between curved angle and longitudinal variations of occlusal planetooth axis angle and ramus-occlusal plane angle was 0.350 and 0.401, respectively (p<0.05). There was no significant correlation between elongated root length and longitudinal variations of all variables. The resulting regression equation was Y=10.209+0.208X1+0.745X2 (Y: root angle, X1: variation of occlusal plane-tooth axis angle, X2: variation of ramus-occlusal plane angle). CONCLUSION: It was suspected that the reasons of root curvature were change of tooth axis caused by contact with 2nd deciduous tooth and amount of mesial and superior movement related to change of occlusal plane.

The quantitative analysis by digital subtraction radiography on the effect of Enamel Matrix Protein and Platelet-Rich Plasma, combined with Xenograft in the treatment of intrabony defect in humans / 대한치주과학회지

Various biological approaches to the promotion of periodontal regeneration have been used. These can be divided into the use of growth and differentiation factors, application of extracellular matrix proteins and attachment factors and use of mediators of bone metabolism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of enamel matrix protein and platelet-rich plasma on the treatment of intrabony defect, with bovine-derived bone powder in humans by digital subtraction radiography. 12 teeth(experimental I group) were treated with enamel matrix protein combined with bovine-derived bone powder and 12 teeth(experimental II group) were treated with platelet-rich plasma combined with bovine-derived bone powder. The change of bone density was assessed by digital subtraction radiography in this study. The change of mineral content was assessed in the method that two radiographs were put into computer program to be overlapped and the previous image was subtracted by the later one. Both groups were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon signed Ranks Test and Mann-whitney Test using SPSS program for windows(5% significance level). The results were as follows: 1. The radiolucency in 3 months after surgery was significantly increased than 1 month after surgery in both groups(experimental I and II groups)(p<0.05). 2. The radiopacity in 6 months after surgery was significantly increased than 3 months after surgery in both groups(experimental I and II groups)(p<0.05). 3. In experimental I group, there was no significant difference between 1 month and 6 months after surgery. 4. In experimental II group, the radiopacity in 6 months after surgery was significantly increased than 1 month after surgery(p<0.05). 5. There was no significant difference between experimental I and II group at 1 month and 3 months after surgery, but the radiopacity in experimental II group was significantly increased at 6 months after surgery(p<0.05). In conclusion, platelet-rich plasma can enhance bone density than enamel matrix protein until 6 months after surgery.

Surgical Correction of Submucous Cleft Palate with Furlow's Palatoplasty

Furlow's palatoplasty has been used as the primary treatment for cleft palate. From 1991 to 1999, 24 submucous cleft palate patients underwent Furlow's palatoplasty. The follow-up period was 3 months to 8 years (mean 24 months). Patients were selected after a thorough study for velopharyngeal insufficiency including intraoral examinatioin, speech assessment, digital subtraction radiography (DSR). Postoperatively velopharyngeal function was reevaluated with speech assessment and digital subtraction radiography in the 7 cooperative patients. Speech parameters including hypernasality, nasal emission, and Allison scale were improved after surgery. Digital subtraction radiography provided the value of velopharyngeal gap and the degree of the motion of lateral pharyngeal wall, both of which were improved after surgery. Furlows palatoplasty has advantage such as no impairment of nasopharyngeal physiology, no hannful effect on the hard palate and the realignment of the levator muscle which plays important role on the movement of the soft palate. The results show that a Furlow's palatoplasty can satisfactorily correct velopharyngeal insufficiency in carefully selected submucous cleft palate patients.