Two-stage Prosthetic Prepectoral Breast Reconstruction: Comparing Tissue Expansion with Carbon Dioxide and Saline.

BACKGROUND: The AeroForm tissue expander is a carbon dioxide-filled breast tissue expander that allows gradual, needle-free expansion using a hand-held remote controller. This study evaluates 2-stage, prepectoral tissue expander-to-implant breast reconstruction with the carbon-dioxide tissue expanders and compares the outcomes to our recent experience with saline tissue expanders. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients from a single institution. The subjects consisted of women who underwent mastectomy and either immediate or delayed breast reconstruction with AeroForm or saline tissue expanders. Outcomes encompassed postoperative complications including mastectomy flap necrosis, infection requiring readmission and/or intravenous antibiotics, capsular contracture, hematoma, seroma, skin dehiscence, extrusion, premature explant, and loss of communication with the device (AeroForm) or rupture of the device (saline). RESULTS: This study evaluated 115 patients with 185 breast reconstructions. Of the 185 breast reconstructions, 74 (40%) utilized AeroForm tissue expanders and 111 (60%) utilized traditional saline tissue expanders. Treatment was successful in 100% and 94% in the AeroForm and saline groups, respectively (P = 0.025). The incidence of adverse events was greater in the saline group (45.9% versus 32.4%). Surgical-site infection occurred more commonly in the saline group (5.4% versus 0%). Full-thickness skin necrosis occurred at a significantly higher rate in the saline cohort as compared with AeroForm (5.4% versus 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of AeroForm tissue expanders offers notable advantages for breast reconstruction. This device when employed in the prepectoral space may be associated with reduced infection rates and decreased utilization of healthcare and patient resources.

The Effect of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With Antiseptic Instillation on Biofilm Formation in a Porcine Model of Infected Spinal Instrumentation.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of negative pressure wound therapy with antiseptic instillation (NPWTi) in the clearance of infection and biofilm formation in an in vivo model of infected spinal implants compared to traditional treatment modalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five pigs underwent titanium rod implantation of their spinous processes followed by injection of 1 x 106 CFUs/100µL of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through the fascia at each site. At 1 week postoperatively, an experimental arm of 3 pigs received NPWTi, and a control arm of 2 pigs received wet-to-dry dressings. The persistence of local infection in the experimental group was compared to the control group using tissue cultures. Biofilm development on spinal implants was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Mean bacterial count showed a statistical difference between the experimental and the control groups (P < .05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of uniform biofilm formation across the surface of control group instrumentation, whereas the experimental group showed interrupted areas between biofilm formations. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that NPWTi is associated with decreased bacterial load and biofilm formation compared to wet-to-dry dressings in an in vivo porcine model of infected spinal instrumentation.

An effective technique for salvage of cardiac-related devices.

Millions of patients require implantable cardiac devices for management of cardiac dysrhythmias. These devices are susceptible to erosion, exposure, or infection and plastic surgeons are consulted when salvage is required. As of yet, an anterior muscle-splitting approach to effectively and safely relocate the device into the subpectoral position has not been described in the plastic surgery literature. The authors retrospectively reviewed the charts of 7 patients who required repositioning of cardiac devices. Indications for repositioning included exposure, erosion, infection, hematoma at the time of primary placement (3), and one cosmetic revision. All patients were treated with subpectoral repositioning of the device into the subpectoral space via an anterior muscle-splitting approach. Six of 7 patients (86%) achieved successful long-term repositioning in the subpectoral position without recurrent exposure or hematoma and with good cosmetic results. One patient who had a prior history of multiple failed device placements required reoperation due to recurrent infection. The anterior muscle-splitting technique proposed by the authors for defibrillator or pacemaker salvage is a feasible technique with promising results. Plastic surgeons should be aware of this simple and effective approach.