Direct hepatic artery puncture for transarterial therapy in liver cancer.

In the treatment of liver malignancies, therapies such as bland embolization, chemoembolization and radioembolization require access to the hepatic artery by means of conventional transfemoral or brachial catheterization. Challenging vascular anatomy can impede selective access to tumoral vessels, preventing the safe and effective delivery of embolic material. Direct percutaneous hepatic arterial puncture under ultrasonographic guidance may be an alternative method to obtain intrahepatic arterial access for the purposes of hepatic arteriography and delivery of therapeutic agents. In this case series, the authors describe the use of direct hepatic artery puncture to successfully perform two radioembolization procedures and one bland embolization procedure.

90Y radioembolization of metastatic breast cancer to the liver: toxicity, imaging response, survival.

PURPOSE: To present data from patients with breast cancer liver metastases who underwent radioembolization with yttrium (90Y) microspheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using standard 90Y lobar treatment protocol, 27 female patients with progressing liver metastases on standard of care polychemotherapy were treated under an open-label phase 2 protocol. After treatment, we assessed (a) tumor response using computed tomography and/or positron emission tomography, (b) biochemical toxicity, and (c) survival. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52. Seventeen (63%) patients received 20 left lobe treatments (median radiation dose, 123 Gy; mean, 119 Gy), and 20 (74%) patients received 22 right lobe treatments (median radiation dose, 121 Gy; mean, 109 Gy) to the treatment site. No significant dose-difference was noted between the two lobes (P=.69). Tumor response on 90-day follow-up computed tomography showed (a) complete and partial response in nine (39.1%) patients, (b) stable disease in 12 (52.1%) patients, and (c) progressive disease in 2 (8.8%) patients. Positive tumor response on positron emission tomography was noted in 17 (63%) patients. Three of 27 (11%) patients (Eastern Cooperation Oncology Group 1, 2, or 3) showed bilirubin toxicity of grade 3, all of which were attributed to disease progression. Median survival for Eastern Cooperation Oncology Group 0 versus 1, 2, or 3 patients was 6.8 months and 2.6 months, respectively (P=.24) and for patients with tumor burden<25% versus >25% was 9.4 and 2.0 months, respectively (P=.46). CONCLUSIONS: Radioembolization with 90Y brachytherapy device may be a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of breast cancer liver metastases in patients who have progressed or failed on standard of care polychemotherapy.

Periorbital rejuvenation and the African American patient: a survey approach.

BACKGROUND: The number of African Americans pursuing cosmetic plastic surgery is increasing. Nonetheless, the authors postulate that the African American patients pursuing certain cosmetic procedures still have preconceived notions and concerns distinct from their Caucasian counterparts, thereby demanding a different surgical strategy. A questionnaire approach was used to determine the concerns, expectations, and desires of African American patients regarding periorbital rejuvenation and to compare these outcomes with those of Caucasian patients. METHODS: One hundred five African American female subjects and 30 Caucasian female subjects affiliated with the senior surgeon's cosmetic practice were contacted. Of these, 85 African American and 26 Caucasian subjects were administered a survey of 18 standardized questions. Patients were stratified in terms of age and race to dissect generational and ethnologic concepts toward oculoplastic surgery and features of the African American eyelid. The Caucasian subjects served as the control group. RESULTS: Of the African American subjects, 85.9 percent had a favorable or neutral opinion of plastic surgery, and 72.9 percent did not feel plastic surgery was exclusively for Caucasians. Nearly half of all African American subjects interviewed likened African American periorbital characteristics to those of Asians, whereas only 19.2 percent of Caucasian subjects acknowledged such similarities in African Americans. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the idea that a directed approach to blepharoplasty is necessary to help African American patients achieve their desire to maintain their ethnic identity while rejuvenating their appearance.

Revisiting upper eyelid anatomy: introduction of the septal extension.

BACKGROUND: The current trend in plastic surgery of the eyelid has taken on increased dependence on anatomical considerations in the marriage of aesthetic and functional ideals. Often, the plastic surgeon performs ptosis and/or septal surgery in conjunction with blepharoplasty. The relationship between eyelid adnexal structures and upper eyelid function is a delicate but critical one. Current anatomical description states that the septum does not reach the superior tarsal border and inserts at a variable level on the levator aponeurosis. Conflicting observations in clinical practice stimulated this study to delineate the septal relationship to surrounding structures. In addition, this study may help to explain the increased rate of recurrence in ptosis repairs that incorporate plication techniques. METHODS: Dissection of four fresh cadaveric upper lid specimens in situ along with hematoxylin and eosin and trichrome stains of harvested eyelid tissue were used to redefine septal anatomy. Clinical case correlations are made to illustrate the significance of the histologic findings. RESULTS: A distinct septal extension was demonstrated arising from the orbital septum and covering preaponeurotic fat and tarsus completely. Histology of the anterior lamellae confirmed the presence of this thin fibrous sheet. In vivo assessment of this structure verifies its dynamic role in upper lid function. The clinical ramifications of this anatomical nuance are realized. CONCLUSIONS: A septal extension to the ciliary margin of the upper eyelid is established. Suture plication of the septal extension can induce lid elevation, with potential postoperative lid retraction. Intraoperative failure to recognize and distinguish this extension from the aponeurosis proper may lead to the high reported rates of unsuccessful ptosis correction. This refinement of septal anatomy should increase precision and help surgeons avoid complications in advanced blepharoplasty and ptosis surgery.