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Precise and rapid costal cartilage graft sectioning using a novel device: clinical application
Allen Foulad1, Ashley Hamamoto2, Cyrus Manuel2
1Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, Irvine2Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange.
JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery
|December 17, 2013
Summary
A new mechanical device accurately sections costal cartilage for facial reconstruction. This tool provides uniform cartilage slices for reconstructive surgery, proving valuable for nasal procedures.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Costal cartilage is crucial for facial reconstructive surgery, requiring precise sectioning for optimal graft shaping.
- Existing methods for sectioning cartilage can be imprecise, impacting graft suitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of a novel mechanical device in creating uniform costal cartilage slices.
- To demonstrate the device's application in nasal reconstructive surgery.
Main Methods:
- A mechanical device utilizing compression for specimen stabilization was tested on 100 porcine costal cartilage slices.
- Slices of 1mm, 2mm, and 3mm thickness were produced under minimal and maximal compression.
- Thickness uniformity was measured using a digital micrometer; clinical application was illustrated in 9 rhinoplasty cases.
Main Results:
- The device rapidly produced visually uniform cartilage slices suitable for clinical use.
- Minimal compression resulted in average thickness variations of 18% (1mm), 10% (2mm), and 11% (3mm).
- Maximal compression led to a 35% average thickness variation in 2mm slices, indicating minimal compression is preferred.
Conclusions:
- The novel mechanical device reliably produces highly uniform costal cartilage slices for reconstructive purposes.
- While compression affects uniformity, the resulting imperfections are clinically acceptable.
- The device is adjustable for various nasal graft thicknesses, offering ease of use and reproducible results for reconstructive surgery.
