Introduction: Loss of a breast free flap is a relatively rare occurrence but is catastrophic and likely multifactorial. This study aims to identify potential risk factors for flap loss and to assess whether different techniques have an impact on salvage. Methods: Retrospective review of all free flaps performed for breast reconstruction at a single institution from 2000-2010. Results: Overall 2...

Electrical stimulation has been shown to accelerate and enhance nerve regeneration in sensory and motor neurons after injury, but there is little evidence that focuses on the varying degrees of fibrosis in the delayed repair of peripheral nerve tissue. In this study, a rat model of sciatic nerve transection injury was repaired with a biodegradable conduit at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 2 months ...

Sieve electrodes provide a chronic interface for stimulating peripheral nerve axons. Yet, successful utilization requires robust axonal regeneration through the implanted electrode. The present study determined the effect of large transit zones in enhancing axonal regeneration and revealed an intimate neural interface with an implanted sieve electrode. Fabrication of the polyimide sieve electro...

Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. All underwent left sciatic nerve injury, leaving a 10mm gap. The injury was repaired using either: 1) Reverse autograft – the 10mm cut segment was oriented 180° and used to coapt the proximal and distal ends or 2) UBM conduit the 10mm nerve gap was bridged with UBM conduit. Validated behavior assessments such as Sciatic Functi...

Methods: Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 2 groups. All underwent left sciatic nerve injury, leaving a 10mm gap. The injury was repaired using either: 1) Reverse autograft – the 10mm cut segment was oriented 180° and used to coapt the proximal and distal ends or 2) UBM conduit the 10mm nerve gap was bridged with UBM conduit. Validated behavior assessments such as Sciatic Functi...