A novel surgical correction using a combination of wave-like incision and Z-axis Z-plasty for congenital constriction band syndrome.

BACKGROUND: A congenital constriction band (CCB) is a relatively common anomaly among limb malformations. However, the number of cases treated at a given center is limited and differences in techniques used by surgeons at each facility have a significant impact on the treatment outcomes. Several surgical methods have been reported, but a standard technique that yields consistent satisfactory results is still needed. Here, we introduce a novel technique for the treatment of CCB syndrome that uses a combination of wave-like skin incision and Z-axis Z-plasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A wave-like incision was used for skin incision with the goals of achieving an accordion effect and a less noticeable post-operative scar. After the fibrous constriction band was completely excised, a Z-plasty of sufficient size in the Z-axis direction was performed on the dermis-inclusive adipose tissue. For over 10 years, this technique was applied to 11 sites in 6 patients. A retrospective study of the characteristics of these cases was performed, including age at surgery, gender, type of deformity, degree of constriction, types of examination, number of surgeries, and post-operative outcomes. RESULTS: In all patients, a normal contour of the limbs was achieved and the hourglass-like deformity caused by the constriction band was satisfactorily improved. No additional corrective surgeries were needed, there was no abnormal growth of the treated limbs, and scarring was aesthetically acceptable in all cases. CONCLUSION: The novel technique described here uses deep subcutaneous fat to correct the hourglass-like deformity and restores a normal limb contour, while the wave-like skin incision minimizes post-operative scarring.

First application of data assimilation-based control to fusion plasma.

Magnetic fusion plasmas, which are complex systems comprising numerous interacting elements, have large uncertainties. Therefore, future fusion reactors require prediction-based advanced control systems with an adaptive system model and control estimation robust to uncertainties in the model and observations. To address this challenge, we introduced a control approach based on data assimilation (DA), which describes the system model adaptation and control estimation based on the state probability distribution. The first implementation of a DA-based control system was achieved at the Large Helical Device to control the high temperature plasma. The experimental results indicate that the control system enhanced the predictive capability using real-time observations and adjusted the electron cyclotron heating power for a target temperature. The DA-based control system provides a flexible platform for advanced control in future fusion reactors.

An Effective Approach to Collecting Lymph Vessels Using a Small Diameter Wire for Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis in Upper Limb Lymphedema.

Lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA), which involves connecting lymphatic vessels to veins under a microscope, is widely performed around the world as a surgical treatment for lymphedema due to its relatively low patient burden and consistent efficacy. One of the crucial points of LVA is identifying suitable lymphatic vessels from among many lymphatic vessels and connecting them at the most effective site, but in practice, this is not easy to do. To overcome this issue, we have been able to effectively drain lymph by connecting lymphatic vessels to veins just before the occluded site using a lymphatic wire that was just recently developed in Japan. The device guides the subcutaneous deep collecting lymphatic vessels from the peripheral relatively superficial lymphatic vessels. While this special wire is typically adapted in the lower limbs, we have confirmed its effectiveness in upper limb lymphedema as well. Overall, this approach shows promise for improving the accuracy and success rates of LVA procedures, which can have significant benefits for patients with upper limb lymphedema. In this article, we share our experience using lymphatic wire for upper limb lymphedema cases.

Multi-directional Cranial Distraction Osteogenesis for Treating Sagittal Synostosis with Frontometaphyseal Dysplasia: A Case Report.

Frontometaphyseal dysplasia (FMD), also known as Gorlin-Cohen syndrome, is a rare genetic syndrome. This syndrome affects the skeletal system and connective tissue, and causes a wide spectrum of manifestations of the skull, tubular bones, cardiovascular system, urinary system, and/or gastrointestinal system. Craniofacial findings of FMD are characterized by protruding supraorbital ridge, broad nasal bridge, hypertelorism, down-slanting palpebral fissures, and/or micrognathia. We describe a case of a 2-year-old girl diagnosed with sagittal synostosis accompanied with FMD. She presents anterior sagittal synostosis cranial form, compressed cerebrospinal fluid space (which suggested increased intracranial pressure), and the supraorbital hyperostosis. She underwent multi-directional cranial distraction osteogenesis in the calvaria and shaving of the supraorbital ridges. Despite concerns about bone fragility associated with FMD, the surgery was accomplished as usual. The patient had no intra- and postoperative complications. After 6 months of follow-up, the cranial shape has improved and the cerebrospinal fluid space has widened, but the supraorbital ridge has protruded again. Re-protrusion of the supraorbital ridge appears to be due to age-appropriate vigorous osteogenesis. The multi-directional cranial distraction osteogenesis procedure has been useful for treating sagittal synostosis even concomitant with FMD.

A case of a superficial circumflex iliac perforator-intercostal artery perforator (SCIP-ICAP) compound flap for necrotizing soft tissue infection.

Even in NSTI patients with many comorbidities, it is possible to save both the life and the limb by thorough debridement and suitable reconstruction. SCIP-ICAP compound flap can be versatile for a massive defect of an upper extremity. A Case of a Supercharged Compound Flap for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection.

Lymphatic Malformation Treated with Lymphatic Malformation-Venous Anastomosis Under Local Anesthesia.

Lymphatic malformation (LM) can occur in the head and neck regions and cause cosmetic problems in adults. Sclerotherapy and surgical resection have been frequently applied; however, both are far from being minimally invasive in terms of aesthetic satisfaction, including the aesthetic downtime. We performed a less-invasive treatment using the venous anastomosis technique, named the lymphatic malformation-venous anastomosis (LMVA), mainly in pediatric patients with intractable microcystic lesions, in whom general anesthesia was required because the pediatric patients could not remain still. Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old man with a cystic submandibular LM successfully treated with LMVA under local anesthesia. He presented with a gradually enlarging LM on the neck. For improving aesthetics, LMVA was planned under local anesthesia. Lymphography by injecting indocyanine green revealed no inflow or outflow connection to the malformation; thus, we created an outflow bypass using the sidewall of the LMVA technique. The patient was discharged on the following day of the operation without any postoperative complications. A volumetric analysis 6 months later showed a 43.5% reduction of the malformation, with the patient being completely satisfied with the result. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous report on performing LMVA under local anesthesia in an adult. LMVA can be a novel treatment of choice when other options are less feasible.

Effective Secondary Reconstruction of Refractory Urethrocutaneous Fistula after Metoidioplasty Using Folded Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap.

One of the primary goals of penile reconstruction for female-to-male transsexuals is to enable voiding while standing. Metoidioplasty represents a viable option, but it is associated with a high rate of postoperative fistula formation and recurrence, which affects the aesthetic and functional outcomes. Subsequent surgical repair using scarred and inadequate local tissue may contribute to fistula recurrence. The folded superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) island flap offers sufficient well-vascularized tissue and skin envelope for the reconstruction of the urethra and outer skin after failed metoidioplasty. The SCIP flap can be elevated as a hairless thin flap, making it useful in urethral reconstruction even when it is folded. We describe a case of a 44-year-old female-to-male transsexual patient who developed a refractory urethrocutaneous fistula after metoidioplasty. Surgical repairs were attempted using local tissue 4 times without success. The patient presented to our hospital, and we performed urethral reconstruction using a folded, pedicled SCIP flap for both urethra and skin augmentation. The postoperative course was uneventful, with satisfactory functional results and low donor-site morbidity. No fistula recurrence was observed during the 2 years of follow-up. This novel procedure offers a viable alternative technique for refractory urethrocutaneous fistula repair.