Progress of organoid platform in cardiovascular research.

Cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of death in humans. Various models are necessary for the study of cardiovascular diseases, but once cellular and animal models have some defects, such as insufficient fidelity. As a new technology, organoid has certain advantages and has been used in many applications in the study of cardiovascular diseases. This article aims to summarize the application of organoid platforms in cardiovascular diseases, including organoid construction schemes, modeling, and application of cardiovascular organoids. Advances in cardiovascular organoid research have provided many models for different cardiovascular diseases in a variety of areas, including myocardium, blood vessels, and valves. Physiological and pathological models of different diseases, drug research models, and methods for evaluating and promoting the maturation of different kinds of organ tissues are provided for various cardiovascular diseases, including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research progress in cardiovascular organ tissues, including construction protocols for cardiovascular organoid tissues and their evaluation system, different types of disease models, and applications of cardiovascular organoid models in various studies. The problems and possible solutions in organoid development are summarized.

Reconstruction of Type IIIB Thumb Hypoplasia Using a Vascularized Hemi-Metatarsal Composite Tissue Flap.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of vascularized hemi-metatarsal composite tissue transfer for the reconstruction of type IIIB hypoplastic thumbs. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with type IIIB hypoplastic thumbs treated with vascularized hemi-metatarsal composite tissue transfer were included in this retrospective study with a mean follow-up of 2.4 years. Preoperative digital subtraction angiography was performed to examine the vessel variance. Clinical measures included grip and pinch strength, scar status, and Kapandji thumb opposition score. Subjective Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument scores and parent satisfaction were also evaluated. RESULTS: Radial arteries were hypoplastic in 82.1% of the cases, and the common palmar digital artery was chosen as the recipient vessel for the tissue transfer. There was no neurovascular complication. The only donor-site complication was a metatarsal fracture that healed with casting. Key pinch and tripod pinch were 29.5% and 45.8% of the normal side, respectively. The mean grip strength was 51.7% of the unaffected side. The mean Kapandji score was 6. The Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument scores were high for global function; upper extremity function; transfer; and basic mobility, happiness, and comfort. The Vancouver Scar Scale showed an average score of 2.1. All parents were satisfied with the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Vascularized hemi-metatarsal composite tissue transfer for type IIIB thumb hypoplasia can provide improved subjective outcomes and is a feasible method for the attainment of a five-digit hand. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Surgical excision and skin grafting combined with intralesional injection of triamcinolone for the treatment of keloids after syndactyly release.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of surgery combined with triamcinolone acetonide injection in managing the difficult problem of keloid formation after syndactyly release. Twenty-two patients with keloid formation after syndactyly release were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into a simple surgery group and a surgery plus injection group. Complications, web quality, scar score and satisfaction were assessed and compared. In the surgery plus injection group, three patients (3/13) experienced recurrence and ten webs were good, whereas in the simple surgery group, seven patients (7/9) experienced recurrence and five webs were poor. The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was significantly lower (4.3 versus 7.8) and the mean Faces Questionnaire satisfaction score was higher (4.2 versus 2.6) in the surgery plus injection group. Combining surgical excision with early and repeated intralesional injection can achieve better results with low recurrence rate and side effects.Level of evidence: IV.