Fabrication of postsurgical auricle separator stent in reconstruction of the ear.

A natural appearing ear with appropriate projection from the head remains a great challenge in the reconstruction of the ear. Surgical and prosthetic means have been addressed in the management of patients with microtia, with each carrying its own merits and demerits. Lack of adequate projection of the ear and adhesion of tissues are some common complications of reconstructive surgery that can adversely affect the treatment outcome. This article describes a technique for the fabrication of a postsurgical stent to prevent adhesion of the surgically reconstructed ear to the underlying tissues. This also enhances the projection of the ear from the head.

Prognostic factors in stage-I breast cancer: a retrospective study.

We studied the case records of all patients presenting with stage-I breast cancer (tumour < 2 cm, no axillary nodes or distant metastases). All clinical and pathological features were evaluated and findings were correlated with short term treatment failures (local and distant recurrences within 2 years). An early recurrence was seen in 28% patients. There was no significant differences in the mean age at presentation (44 vs 47 years) or menopausal status (8 Vs 7 years). Estrogen receptor status was unknown in all the patients. A positive family history of breast cancer was noted in 40% women with tumour relapse against 6% in the non-relapsed group. Associated fibrocystic mammary dysplasia was found in 80% relapsed cases whereas 60% showed lymphatic invasion and tumour necrosis. Vascular invasion was reported in 40% cases. A poorly differentiated histology fibrocystic mammary dysplasia, lymphatic and vascular invasion and tumour necrosis were poor prognostic factors. It was concluded that adjuvant chemotherapy should be given to all patients presenting with stage-I breast cancer and showing poor prognostic factors regardless of the menopausal status.

Radioaerosol mucociliary clearance of tracheobronchial tree in normal subjects and in patients with respiratory diseases.

The rate of mucociliary clearance in the tracheobronchial tree was studied both in patients and controls using radioisotopic techniques. The radioisotope is deposited in the larger airways and its rate of movement is measured as it is being transported up the trachea due to mucociliary activity. The BARC aerosol generation system was modified and used for this purpose. One hour study was acquired on a computerised gamma camera in each case. The rate of movement of the bolus of radioactivity was calculated by measuring the distance travelled in a known period of time. The mean velocity of transport was 9.0mm/min in normal subjects. In patients variable speed of transportation was obtained ranging from absolutely no movement to near normal speeds. Different patterns of transport were observed including linear, spiral, static and regurgitative. It was concluded that this simple non-invasive technique can be used for in vivo monitoring of mucociliary tracheal activity.

Preparation of 99mTc-tin-phosphate polyvinyl pyrollidone stabilized colloid and distribution in bone marrow.

Technetium-99m-Sn-phosphate colloid was prepared in the presence of polyvinylpyrollidone(PVP), molecular weight 44,000, for bone marrow imaging. Size of the colloidal particles, as determined by coulter counter, microphotographic and electron microscopic studies was 15-35 nm. The colloid preparation was checked for the presence of any soluble components by Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Scintigraphy in rabbits showed a high concentration of the colloid in the bone marrow. Tissue distribution studies in rabbits showed 26.7% of the injected dose at 1 h post-injection in the bone marrow collected from femoral shaft and head. Although liver and spleen showed considerable levels of activity, kidneys and compact bone did not show any uptake. The colloid cleared from the blood exponentionally with a first phase showing a relatively fast clearance while in the second phase it disappeared more slowly. Uptake of the colloid in human bone marrow was close to that in the rabbit and thus clinical evaluation is warranted.