Influence of Moisturizers on Skin Microcirculation: An Assessment Study Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

Non-invasive scar management typically involves pressure therapy, hydration with silicones or moisturizers, and UV protection. Moisture loss from scars can lead to hypertrophic scar formation. Pressure therapy reduces blood flow, fibroblast activity, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) release. This study examined various moisturizers and liquid silicone gel's impact on microcirculation. 40 volunteers participated in a study where superficial abrasions were created to induce trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Five moisturizers (TEDRA®, TEDRA® NT1, TEDRA® NT3, Alhydran®, Lipikar®) and BAP Scar Care® silicone gel were tested. TEWL, hydration, and blood flow were measured up to 4 h post-application. Results showed that silicone had the least impact on occlusion and hydration. Alhydran® reduced blood flow the most, while Lipikar® increased it the most. TEDRA® NT1 had reduced flow compared to TEDRA® and TEDRA® NT3. All TEDRA® products exhibited high hydration, and all but silicone showed good occlusion. Moisturizers influenced skin microcirculation, with some causing decrease, while others increased flow. However, the clinical impact on scarring remains unclear compared to the evident effects of hydration and occlusion. More research is necessary to study moisturizers alone and with pressure therapy on scars, along with potential adverse effects of increased microcirculation on scars.

Is preoperative sarcopenia associated with postoperative complications after pelvic exenteration surgery?

PURPOSE: Pelvic exenteration (PE) involves radical surgical resection of pelvic organs and is associated with considerable morbidity. Sarcopenia is recognised as a predictor of poor surgical outcomes. This study aimed to determine if preoperative sarcopenia is associated with postoperative complications after PE surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent PE with an available preoperative CT scan between May 2008 and November 2022 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in South Australia. Total Psoas Area Index (TPAI) was estimated by measuring the cross-sectional area of the psoas muscles at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on abdominal CT, normalised for patient height. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on gender-specific TPAI cut-off values. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for major postoperative complications with a Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade ≥ 3. RESULTS: In total, 128 patients who underwent PE were included, 90 of whom formed the non-sarcopenic group (NSG) and 38 the sarcopenic group (SG). Major postoperative complications (CD grade ≥ 3) occurred in 26 (20.3%) patients. There was no detectable association with sarcopenia and an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Preoperative hypoalbuminemia (P = 0.01) and a prolonged operative time (P = 0.002) were significantly associated with a major postoperative complication on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is not a predictor of major postoperative complications in patients undergoing PE surgery. Further efforts aimed specifically at optimising preoperative nutrition may be warranted.

Use of a Synthetic Dermal Matrix for Reconstruction of 55 Patients with Nongraftable Wounds and Management of Complications.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a completely synthetic dermal matrix (Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix [BTM]) for staged reconstruction of complex wounds. The authors defined complex wounds as wounds not amenable to reconstruction with skin grafting alone due to an inherent avascularity such as the presence of bare bone, tendinous, or neural structures. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of complex wounds as defined above was carried out. Fifty-five patients were identified who underwent staged BTM and autologous skin graft reconstruction for complex wounds affecting a wide variety of patient demographics, treatment indications, and body sites. Wound etiology included burn injury and nonburn-related trauma such as degloving injury or infective complications. Caveats relating to the successful application of staged dermal matrix reconstruction, techniques, tips, prevention, and management of complications are outlined. This large consecutive case series demonstrates the integral role dermal substitutes play in providing biological wound cover for avascular wound beds which may otherwise require complex distant flap or free tissue transfer for reconstruction. Staged synthetic dermal matrix reconstruction has proven robustness in the face of unfavorable wounds compared with nonsynthetic dermal matrices, physiologically covering avascular structures, allowing for early graft take, expediting rehabilitation, and mobilization with good scar cosmesis and limited contracture formation.

Use of a bilayer biodegradable synthetic dermal matrix for the management of defects arising from necrotising fasciitis.

The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of necrotising fasciitis, including causative factors, incidence, diagnosis and clinical outcomes. Various surgical treatment options are outlined, including methods of soft tissue reconstruction after wide excision of infected and necrotic tissues. The role of dermal matrices, including a synthetic biodegradable temporising matrix made of polyurethane, are described in terms of wound bed preparation, surgical application and clinical outcomes.

Use of Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) in the reconstruction of diabetic foot wounds: A pilot study.

Introduction: Complex diabetes-related foot wounds are at high risk of infection and subsequent major amputation unless healed expediently. Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) is a synthetic matrix that facilitates the organisation of the extracellular matrix, resulting in a neodermis layer over these difficult-to-heal areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of using BTM in the reconstruction of challenging diabetic foot wounds. Methods: Eighteen patients with complex diabetic foot wounds (exposed tendon, fascia, joint, bone), or chronic ulcers at high shear stress locations had BTM applied. Indications for BTM application were high shear stress location (66.6%), exposed bone (16.6%), exposed fascia (5.6%), exposed tendon (5.6%) and chronic non-healing wound (5.6%). The time to complete healing, infection rate and incidence of subsequent wound breakdown was analysed. Discussion: Thirteen of 18 patients completed the BTM treatment regime with all these patients achieving complete wound healing at a median time of 13 weeks. One patient had partial treatment with BTM and four patients were withdrawn from the study following BTM application. The rate of infection and re-ulceration were both 15.4%. Conclusion: This is the first prospective cohort pilot study evaluating the use of BTM for complex diabetic foot wounds. BTM demonstrates potential in healing uninfected, non-ischaemic diabetic foot wounds with exposed deep structures and chronic wounds subject to high shear stress. The re-ulceration and infection rates were relatively low for this high-risk population. BTM may also offer promise as an alternative to free flaps. Lay Summary: The prevalence of diabetes and its complications, including foot ulcers and wounds, have significantly increased worldwide over the last 40 years. Increasingly patients are admitted to hospital for antibiotics, debridements and subsequent amputations from these wounds. Complex diabetes-associated wounds are those at highest risk of these complications or necessitating more extensive, complex operations such as free flaps. These wounds may have exposed deep structures, be at risk of high shear stress or be chronic non-healing wounds.Temporisers are a type of material which integrates into the wound and promotes in-growth of tissue, ideal for healing over these difficult to heal areas. Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) is a synthetic temporising matrix which has demonstrated positive outcomes in facilitating healing in burns and plastics wounds, but its effectiveness in diabetic foot wounds has not yet been proven. This is the first prospective cohort pilot study evaluating the use of BTM for complex diabetic foot wounds. BTM demonstrates potential in healing uninfected, non-ischaemic complex diabetic foot wounds and potentially avoiding more complex operations.

Short-term outcomes following development of a dedicated pelvic exenteration service in a tertiary centre.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration surgery (PE) offers potentially curative resection for locally advanced malignancy but is associated with significant complexity and morbidity. Specialised teams are recommended to achieve optimal patient outcomes. This study aims to analyse short-term outcomes at a tertiary setting before and after creating a dedicated PE service. METHODS: Patients undergoing PE between 2008 and October 2021 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and St. Andrews Hospital in South Australia were included, with prospective data collection since June 2017. Patients operated on prior and post the creation of the PE service were compared via univariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 113 patients were included, with a significant increase in volume of cases post creation of the PE service, (n = 46 pre versus n = 67 post). There were significant differences in the type of neoadjuvant therapy and patient co-morbidity, with more advanced disease stage and a higher likelihood of bone involvement (P < 0.05) in the latter period. An increased proportion of patients had flap reconstruction (40.3 versus 33.9%, P = 0.010) as well as lateral lymph node dissection (13.4 versus 2.2%, P = 0.046). Despite this, peri-operative outcomes such as urosepsis (11.9 versus 28.3%, P = 0.028) and Clavien-Dindo grade of complications grade improved. R0 resections were achieved in 93.9% of curative cases (93.9 versus 84.2%, P = 0.171). CONCLUSION: The development of a PE service significantly improved short term patient outcomes, despite the inclusion of patients with more advanced disease and comorbidity.

Devices measuring transepidermal water loss: A systematic review of measurement properties.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to examine the reliability and measurement error of devices that measure transepidermal water loss (TEWL). INTRODUCTION: TEWL is a physiological property of skin which increases when the epidermis is damaged. It is, therefore, a commonly utilised measure of skin barrier integrity. Devices measuring TEWL are available as open, semi-open or closed chamber. Studies of reliability examine the consistency of measurement, and/or responsiveness whereas measurement error scores in absolute terms the amount of error due to sources of variation. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies examining the reliability and/or measurement error of TEWL measurement devices were included. Studies that only report on measurement of TEWL outcomes without examination of reliability and/or measurement error were excluded. METHODS: The search strategy aimed to locate published and unpublished studies. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science, utilising identified keywords and limited to studies in English. Grey literature sources were searched to identify any unpublished documents. Study selection using the inclusion criteria was then assessed by two reviewers for methodological quality utilising the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias tool to assess the reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments. RESULTS: A total of 22 devices were examined in the 38 included studies. The quality of study design was on average rated as 'Adequate' however reliability and measurement error statistical methods were on average rated as 'Doubtful'. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: TEWL measurement devices were found to demonstrate good reliability and frequently correlated with other devices. However, measurement error was highly variable but improves under in vitro conditions. Future research should consider risk of bias factors when designing studies.

Wound healing and dermal regeneration in severe burn patients treated with NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: For extensive burns, autologous donor skin may be insufficient for early debridement and grafting in a single stage. A novel, synthetic polyurethane dermal template (NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix, BTM) was developed to address this need. The aim of this study was to evaluate use of BTM for primary dermal repair after deep burn injury. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective, clinical study was conducted from September 2015 to May 2018. The primary endpoint was % split skin graft take over applied BTM at 7-10 days after grafting. Secondary endpoints included % BTM take, incidence of infection and adverse events, and scar quality to 12 months after BTM application. RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated with BTM and delayed split skin grafting. The % graft take had a mean of 81.9% and % BTM take had a mean of 88.6%, demonstrating effective integration of BTM. When managed appropriately, it was possible for BTM to integrate successfully despite findings suggestive of infection. Scar quality improved over time. DISCUSSION: These results provide additional clinical evidence on the safety and performance of BTM as an effective dermal substitute in the treatment of patients with deep burn injuries.

Devices measuring transepidermal water loss of the skin: a systematic review protocol of measurement properties.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to examine the reliability and measurement error of devices that measure transepidermal water loss. INTRODUCTION: Transepidermal water loss is a physiological property of skin that increases when the epidermis is damaged. It is, therefore, a commonly utilized measure of skin barrier integrity. Devices measuring transepidermal water loss are available as open, semi-open, or closed chamber. Studies that examine the similarities and differences between transepidermal water loss measurement devices are available. However, there has not been a systematic review to comprehensively collate and critique these studies. The aim of this review will be to synthesize the data from these studies to aid in selection and use of transepidermal water loss measurement devices in clinical practice or research. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Studies examining the reliability and/or measurement error of transepidermal water loss measurement devices will be included. Studies that examine a single device to demonstrate how different handling affects measurements will also be included. Studies that only report on measurement of transepidermal water loss outcomes without examination of reliability and/or measurement error will be excluded. METHODS: The search strategy will aim to locate published and unpublished studies. Databases to be searched will include PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science, utilizing identified keywords and limited to studies in English. Gray literature sources will be searched to identify any unpublished documents. Study selection will adhere to the inclusion criteria and then be assessed by two reviewers for methodological quality utilizing COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments) guidelines and risk of bias tools. Extracted data will be presented in a narrative synthesis and as tables and figures to aid data presentation.

Early physiotherapy experience with a biodegradable polyurethane dermal substitute: Therapy guidelines for use.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate and develop range of motion (ROM) and mobilisation guidelines in adult patients where a newly developed synthetic dermal substitute was applied in our adult burn centre. METHOD: A retrospective case note audit was conducted on the first 20 acute burn injured patients who had a synthetic dermal substitute applied. Data collected included days to commencement of ROM, days to clearance for mobilisation, and joint ROM achieved after dermal substitute application (prior to delamination) and after split skin grafting (SSG) for the elbow, knee and shoulder joints. Scar assessments were completed at 12 months after injury using two scar assessment scales. RESULTS: Clearance to mobilise occurred at mean 10.4 and 4.9 days after dermal substitute and after skin graft application to lower limbs respectively. ROM commenced at a mean of 9.9 (upper limbs) and 12.7 (lower limbs) days after dermal substitute application. Following skin grafting, ROM commenced at a mean of 6.6 and 6.5 days for upper limbs and lower limbs respectively. Prior to dermal substitute delamination mean flexion at the knee (86.3°), elbow (114.0°) and shoulder (143.4°) was achieved. Mean ROM continued to improve after grafting with knee (133.2°), elbow (126.1°) and shoulder (151.0°) flexion approaching normal ROM in most cases. Mean extension of the elbow (-4.6°) was maintained close to normal levels after skin grafting. There were no recorded instances of knee extension contracture. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Matching Assessment of Photographs of Scars scores indicated good cosmetic outcomes with relatively low levels of itch and minimal pain reported at 12 months after injury. CONCLUSION: A steep learning curve was encountered in providing therapy treatment for patients managed with this relatively new synthetic dermal substitute. Trends indicated that as experience with this new dermal substitute grew, patients progressed toward active therapy earlier. A guideline for therapy treatment has been developed but will continue to be evaluated and adjusted when required.

Mortality data 2004-2019: an audit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Adult Burn Service.

BACKGROUND: Burns are complex, multifaceted injuries that can pose significant challenges to the treating team. The Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Burns Service has undergone a major evolution over the past two decades, with perceived improvement in outcomes. We present here a longitudinal audit of the RAH Burns Service Mortality Data between 2004 and 2019. METHODS: An audit was conducted of all index admissions to the RAH Burns Unit from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2019. Age at admission, total body surface area, burn depth, presence of inhalation injury and outcome were recorded. Baux and revised Baux Scores were calculated. Lethal Area 50% for different time points and age groups, Baux50/100 and Revised Baux50/100 values were then calculated using logistical regression. RESULTS: During 2004-2019, there were 5653 index admissions to the RAH Burns Unit. The mean total body surface area of burn injuries admitted was 5.1% and the survival rate was 99.17%. The Lethal Area 50% for the study period was 74%, with an improvement from 70% (2004-2011) to 80% (2012-2019). The Baux50 score for the time period was 120 and the Revised Baux50 was 129. CONCLUSION: The RAH results are comparable with other high-income country Burn Services and demonstrated significant improvement across the study period. The data also highlight areas for ongoing focus such as the elderly burns patient.

A Synthetic Biodegradable Temporising Matrix in Degloving Lower Extremity Trauma Reconstruction: A Case Report.

Presented is the case of an obese, 72 year-old diabetic man with a dorsal foot de-gloving injury. Whilst the tendons of extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus to all digits, and extensor digitorum brevis to hallux and second toe were intact after surgical debridement, none had any covering paratenon. The joint between the medial cuneiform and first metatarsal was open. Reconstructive options were limited by his age and co-morbidities. A novel, completely synthetic dermal matrix (NovoSorb BTM) was applied, after which the patient was discharged home to attend for dressings and review of integration progress as an outpatient. He was allowed to mobilise without limitation. Because of the poor quality of the wound bed (and patient), the material integrated slowly over 9 weeks. Delamination of the matrix, and definitive closure by application of sheet split skin autograft, produced a robust, soft, mobile and excellent aesthetic result, over which he could wear footwear immediately. Clinically, the paratenon-denuded tendons glided under the neo-dermis without tethering to the overlying integrated matrix, allowing a full range of digital movement. This was confirmed on ultrasound examination, which also demonstrated no inflammation or oedema. Already proven in extensive burns, necrotising fasciitis and complex surgical wounds, BTM represents a useful addition to the reconstructive surgeon's toolbox.

Reconstruction of an Anterior Cervical Necrotizing Fasciitis Defect Using a Biodegradable Polyurethane Dermal Substitute.

Introduction: Although we have previously described the use of a novel polyurethane biodegradable dermal substitute in the reconstruction of 20 free flap donor sites, and extensive cutaneous defects, including a large area of exposed calvarium secondary to burn injury, our experience with this material now extends to 35 free flap donor site reconstructions and 13 major or complex burns. Methods: The polyurethane material (NovoSorb BTM; PolyNovo Biomaterials Pty Ltd, Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) was recently employed in another complex wound scenario, implanted into a large anterior cervical cutaneous and soft-tissue defect remaining after serial radical debridement for necrotizing fasciitis. Results: Implantation, integration, delamination, and split-skin graft application proceeded without complication, mirroring our previous experience in other wounds (including major burns). The result was a robust, supple, mobile, and well-contoured reconstruction over the deep tissues of the neck. The functional and cosmetic outcomes exceeded all expectation. Discussion: The wound environment created after necrotizing fasciitis infection and debridement is austere. In this particular case, reconstructive options were limited to large free flap repair, skin graft alone, and skin graft augmented by commercially available collagen/glycosaminoglycan dermal matrix. Each option was discarded for various reasons. Our previous success with NovoSorb BTM, developed at our center, prompted its use following regulatory approval. The patient was physiologically stronger after the temporization afforded by the biodegradable temporizing matrix over 4 weeks of integration. Conclusion: This is the first description of the successful use of an entirely synthetic biodegradable dermal substitute for the reconstruction of both necrotizing fasciitis and an anterior cervical defect.

Reconstruction of Extensive Calvarial Exposure After Major Burn Injury in 2 Stages Using a Biodegradable Polyurethane Matrix.

OBJECTIVES: To share our experience of an extensive calvarial reconstruction in a severely burn-injured, elderly patient in a 2-stage procedure utilizing a novel biodegradable temporizing matrix (NovoSorb BTM), followed by autograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 66-year-old patient with 75% full-thickness burns, including 7% total body surface area head and neck, with calvarial exposure of approximately 350 cm(2), complicated by acute renal failure and smoke inhalation injury. Exposed calvarium was burred down to diploe and biodegradable temporizing matrix was applied. Over the next 29 days, the biodegradable temporizing matrix integrated by vascular and tissue ingrowth from the diploe. Delamination and grafting occurred, however, at 43 days postimplantation of biodegradable temporizing matrix due to skin graft donor-site constraints. RESULTS: Graft take was complete, yielding a robust and aesthetically pleasing early result (26 days post-graft application). CONCLUSIONS: Biodegradable temporizing matrix offers an additional resource for reconstructive surgeons faced with fragile patients and complex wounds.

A Novel Biodegradable Polyurethane Matrix for Auricular Cartilage Repair: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study.

Auricular reconstruction poses a challenge for reconstructive and burns surgeons. Techniques involving cartilage tissue engineering have shown potential in recent years. A biodegradable polyurethane matrix developed for dermal reconstruction offers an alternative to autologous, allogeneic, or xenogeneic biologicals for cartilage reconstruction. This study assesses such a polyurethane matrix for this indication in vivo and in vitro. To evaluate intrinsic cartilage repair, three pigs underwent auricular surgery to create excisional cartilage ± perichondrial defects, measuring 2 × 3 cm in each ear, into which acellular polyurethane matrices were implanted. Biopsies were taken at day 28 for histological assessment. Porcine chondrocytes ± perichondrocytes were cultured and seeded in vitro onto 1 × 1 cm polyurethane scaffolds. The total culture period was 42 days; confocal, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses of scaffold cultures were performed on days 14, 28, and 42. In vivo, the polyurethane matrices integrated with granulation tissue filling all biopsy samples. Minimal neocartilage invasion was observed marginally on some samples. Tissue composition was identical between ears whether perichondrium was left intact, or not. In vitro, the polyurethane matrix was biocompatible with chondrocytes ± perichondrocytes and supported production of extracellular matrix and Type II collagen. No difference was observed between chondrocyte culture alone and chondrocyte/perichondrocyte scaffold coculture. The polyurethane matrix successfully integrated into the auricular defect and was a suitable scaffold in vitro for cartilage tissue engineering, demonstrating its potential application in auricular reconstruction.

Free Flap Donor Site Reconstruction: A Prospective Case Series Using an Optimized Polyurethane Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix.

INTRODUCTION: We recently published a 10-patient case series where free flap donor site reconstruction was performed as a 2-stage procedure using an integrating biodegradable polyurethane matrix (to form a neodermis), followed by definitive closure with an autologous split-skin graft. Two issues were revealed by this pilot study that led to further modification of the biodegradable temporizing matrix. This involved alterations to the seal thickness and bonding to the foam matrix and the introduction of fenestrations to the seal. OBJECTIVE: This article documents a second cohort of patients requiring free flap (fibular and radial forearm) donor site reconstruction with this optimized material. METHODS: The biodegradable temporizing matrix was implanted when the free flap was detached from its donor site. Subsequent integration was monitored closely. Five weeks was the usual time of integration before delamination (seal removal), dermabrasion, and definitive closure with autograft. RESULTS: Integration was complete and uncomplicated in every case, delamination occurred in 1 piece in 1 action, and subsequent graft take was 100% for every patient. Long-term scar outcomes improved compared with the pilot group. Degradation is complete by 12 months, other than occasional microscopic remnants undergoing phagocytosis. CONCLUSION: This study has reiterated that the biodegradable temporizing matrix can be implanted into humans, followed by neovascularization and integration. No infection was observed, and split-skin overgrafting was successful and uncomplicated.

A biodegradable polyurethane dermal matrix in reconstruction of free flap donor sites: a pilot study.

We have developed a biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) capable of supporting secondary split-skin graft-take in animal studies. We report its first long-term implantation and use as a dermal scaffold in humans. This preliminary study assesses its ability to integrate, its ease of delamination, its ability to sustain split-skin graft in complex wounds, the degree of wound contraction, and ultimately the quality of the scar at 1 year postimplantation. Ten patients were recruited, each requiring elective free flap reconstruction. Free flap donor sites created were anterolateral thigh flaps, fibular osseocutaneous flaps, or radial/ulnar forearm (RF/UF) flaps. The BTM was implanted when the flap was detached from its donor site. Dressing changes were performed twice weekly. The time elapsed between implantation and delamination depended on the type of flap and thus the wound bed left. Once integrated, the BTMs were delaminated in theatre, and the surface of the "neodermis" was refreshed by dermabrasion, prior to application of a split-skin graft. The BTM integration occurred in all patients (100% in 6 patients, with 90%, 84%, 76%, and 60% integration in the remainder). Integrated BTM sustained successful graft-take in all patients. Complete take was marred in 2 patients, over areas of BTM that had not integrated and graft application was performed too early. The BTM can be applied into wounds in humans and can integrate, persist in the presence of infection, and sustain split-skin overgrafting, despite the trial group presenting with significant comorbidities.

Thoracic outlet syndrome following breast implant rupture.

We present a patient with bilateral breast implant rupture who developed severe locoregional silicone granulomatous lymphadenopathy. Poly Implant Prothese silicone implants had been used for bilateral breast augmentation 5 years prior. Extracapsular implant rupture and bilateral axillary lymphadenopathy indicated explantation, capsulectomy, and selective lymph node excision. Histology demonstrated silicone lymphadenopathy with no evidence of malignancy. Over the subsequent 12 months, she developed progressive locoregional lymphadenopathy involving bilateral cervical, axillary, and internal mammary groups, resulting in bilateral thoracic outlet syndrome. We report the unusual presentation, progression, and the ultimate surgical management of this patient.

A randomized, controlled trial of negative pressure wound therapy of pressure ulcers via a novel polyurethane foam.

The objectives of the study were (1) to look for any local, clinically apparent response, within and around a debrided wound, to a novel biocompatible polyurethane foam during repeated, short-term implantation, and (2) to assess the material's efficacy as a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) interface compared with a widely used, commercially available foam. Twenty pressure ulcers in 18 patients underwent surgical debridement, then randomization to receive novel treatment or control foam as the wound interface for NPWT. Dressing changes every 2-3 days allowed qualitative wound assessment and quantitative measurement to compare outcomes. No adverse reaction was observed in any patient receiving the new foam. The new "novel foam" performed as a NPWT interface as effectively as the control "standard foam." In deep wounds, the new foam was easier to remove, fragmented less, and showed less retention than the control foam. No marginal in-growth occurred, making removal less traumatic and reducing bleeding from cavity wall granulations. The results support previous large animal studies, and independent ISO10993 testing, that the new foam is safe and biocompatible. Its efficacy as an NPWT interface, nontraumatic removal with low fragmentation and retention rate, favors the new material, especially in deep cavity wounds.