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Summary Background The IDEAL framework aims at improving the evidence base of available surgical innovations. However, the development of such innovations and collection of evidence is costly. Surgical innovation can provide more value for money if innovations are evaluated at an early stage, where evaluations can inform the decision whether to stop or to further develop an innovation. We illustrate how decision modelling can be readily adopted at the earliest stages (0–1) of the IDEAL framework, using an innovation in bilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction as an example. Methods We quantified expected costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the current treatment and compared them with an innovation aimed at reducing complications and surgery time. The maximum effect of eliminating all complications (headroom analysis) was explored. Moreover, three scenarios with varying complications and surgery time reductions were modelled. Furthermore, the maximum price of the innovation was estimated in a threshold analysis according to its impact and societal willingness to pay. Results The headroom analysis showed that when all complications associated with the current treatment are prevented, up to €889 per patient is saved. Scenario analysis showed cost savings between €256 and €828 per patient. When surgery time is reduced by 15 min and complications by 50%, the innovation will remain cost-effective at €671 per patient. Conclusion In a field struggling with cost containment, decision modelling can help to separate promising innovations from costly failures at an early stage. In this example, decision modelling showed that it seems worthwhile to further develop the innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction Lymphedema of the arm is a common postoperative complication as a result of breast cancer surgery. One of the surgical treatments comprises modification of a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction to facilitate additional lymph node transplantation from the inguinal area. Using computed tomography angiography (CTA), the distribution of these lymph nodes can be assessed. A virtual planning based on this CTA created for the DIEP flap is presented, with the inguinal lymph nodes included, followed by preoperatively projecting this information on the patient's abdomen. Methods A total of 10 patients underwent the standard imaging protocol: A preoperative CTA to assess the vascular anatomy of the lower abdomen. A three-dimensional (3D) model of the blood vessels was produced, and the inguinal lymph nodes in this reconstruction were included. Preoperative projection of the 3D model onto the patients' abdomen and inguinal area was performed, followed by tracing of this image. Intraoperatively found lymph nodes were identified by touch and compared with the markings on the skin. Results In all 10 patients, all lymph nodes located preoperatively were found intraoperatively within a 1-cm radius of the marking on the skin; and these were more easily located by two operating surgeons. Conclusion Virtual planning of lymph node transplantations in a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction seems feasible and can be performed quickly. This additional visual support aids the surgeon in locating the lymph nodes in the inguinal area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction In a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction, computed tomography angiography (CTA) is currently considered as the gold standard in preoperative imaging for this procedure. Unidirectional Doppler ultrasound (US) is frequently used; however, this method does not distinguish the main axial vessels from perforator arteries at the height of the fascia, it has a limited penetration depth, and it cannot assess the branching patterns of the deep inferior arteries. A new method and system were developed, which consisted of a video projector preoperatively displaying the location and intramuscular course of the artery perforators and subcutaneous branching on the patient's abdomen. Method All patients ( n = 9) underwent a standard protocol: a preoperative CTA was performed and the DIEPs were localized using a unidirectional Doppler probe. In addition, a three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the perforator locations based on CTA was projected on the abdomen of the patients. All projected perforator locations were assessed using a unidirectional Doppler probe. The intraoperative results were collected for comparison. Results A total of 88 locations were marked with the use of unidirectional Doppler and a total of 100 perforators were projected ( p = 0.38). In 98 out of 100 projected perforator locations, a Doppler signal was audible. The intraoperative results demonstrate that 19 out of 34 transplanted perforators were correctly identified with unidirectional Doppler (56.9% ± 31.4%), where the projection method properly revealed 29 locations (84.3% ± 25.8%) ( p = 0.030). Conclusion The projection method is not only capable of providing more information and identifying more perforators used for transplantation than unidirectional Doppler probing but also more accurate in pointing out the corresponding perforator found intraoperatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objectives: Endovascular techniques are an integral part of modern-day vascular surgery practice and training. Nevertheless, validated in vitro assessment tools for these skills are scarce. This study describes the development and pilot testing of the Simulator for Testing and Rating Endovascular Skills (STRESS machine). Design: The design was kept straightforward and compact, without the need for contrast or fluoroscopy. A specific technical skill score was designed analogous to the Imperial College Evaluation of Procedural Skill (ICEPS), an assessment score for open surgical skill. This score was combined with an already validated global rating assessment to form the total score (TS). Methods: A pilot study was carried out on 18 candidates of varying levels of expertise: novice, intermediate and expert, who were assessed by two independent observers to test inter-observer reliability. Results: Inter-observer reliability was excellent, Cronbach''s α coefficient of the TS was 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.84–0.97). A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference between the novice and expert groups (p <0.001), between the novice and intermediate groups (p <0.01) and between the intermediate and expert groups (p <0.05). Conclusion: The STRESS machine, in combination with the specific technical skill score and global rating assessment, provides a reliable method of discriminating between the novice, intermediate and expert candidates with excellent inter-observer variability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Angio-Seal is a frequently used vascular closure device after arterial catheterisation. Major complications are infrequently reported. We present four cases occurring within a 2-month period in our hospital with dislodgement of an Angio-Seal causing acute arterial occlusion, resulting in loss of limb in one case. Surgical intervention was necessary in all cases. Acute arterial occlusion after deployment of the Angio-Seal in patients with peripheral arterial disease might be less uncommon than the literature suggests. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Currently, breast cancer patients without clinically suspicious lymph nodes are candidates for sentinel lymph node procedures (SLNPs). The aims of this study were to investigate whether preoperative axillary ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNA) can reduce the number of the more time-consuming SLNPs, and to identify a subset of quantitative nodal features to predict metastatic involvement. 268 axillae were ultrasonographically examined. FNA was performed on suspicious nodes (smallest diameter &ges;5 mm or atypical cortex appearance). SLNP was omitted if a tumour-positive node was found on FNA. Length, width, maximum cortex thickness and appearance of cortex and hilus were ultrasonographically established. In 93 axillae (35%), at least one node was detected with ultrasound. FNA was performed once per axilla on 66 nodes; 37 (56%) contained tumour cells. 31% of all tumour-positive axillae (macro-+micrometastases) was found by ultrasound and FNA (37/121). 41% of all axillae containing macrometastases was found by ultrasound and FNA (36/87). SLNPs were reduced by 14% (37/268). Maximum cortex thickness is the main feature to predict metastatic involvement (area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AZ)=0.87). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]