Rafael Luis Boemo

Drug delivery systems using sandwich configurations of electrospun poly(lactic acid) nanofiber membranes and ibuprofen

The primary advantages of electrospun membranes include the ability to obtain very thin fibers that are on the order of magnitude of several nanometers with a considerable superficial area and the possibility for these membranes to be manipulated and processed for many different applications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and quantify the transport mechanisms that control the release of drugs from polymer-based sandwich membranes produced using the electrospinning processes. These electrospun membranes were composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) because it is one of the most promising biodegradable polymers due to its mechanical properties, thermoplastic processability and biological properties, such as its biocompatibility and biodegradability. The transport mechanism that controls the drug delivery was evaluated via the release kinetics of a bioactive agent in physiological serum, which was used as a corporal fluid simulation. To describe the delivery process, mathematical models, such as the Power Law, the classical Higuchi equation and an approach to Ficks Second Law were used. Using the applied mathematical models, it is possible to conclude that control over the release of the drug is significantly dependent on the thickness of the membrane rather than the concentration of the drug.

Pilot Study on the Efficiency of the Biostimulation with Autologous Plasma Rich in Platelet Growth Factors in Otorhinolaryngology: Otologic Surgery (Tympanoplasty Type I)

When otologic procedures that involve tympanic membrane repairs are performed, biomaterials or biological tissues as normal as grafts are used. At the moment, biological material from the own patient is used with varying success rates. The procedure used and the patients tissue repair capabilities tend to determine the outcome. We present a preliminary study on tympanic membrane perforation repairs using an autograft obtained by manipulating platelet degranulation and the coagulation cascade and reinforced with a seal using platelet growth factors. We present three cases in which we used this procedure. The results will be valued based on the tympanic perforation closure index. With this study, we want to assess the effectiveness of tympanic perforation repairs with this technically simple method. If this method was objectively proved to be effective, it would lead to lower patient morbidity and sanitary costs.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome: our experience

Abstract Introduction Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) is a disease caused by the Varicella Zoster virus and characterised by skin rash, peripheral facial palsy and otologic symptoms. Objective This was an epidemiological study on the incidence and prognosis of this syndrome. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on the patients diagnosed with RHS who were seen in the emergency room between January 1995 and December 2004, and were followed up for more than 6 months. Results Of the 54 patients included in this study, 7.5% had facial palsy as their first symptom, followed by otologic signs (20.2% had both simultaneously); 72.5% presented otologic signs before facial palsy. Hearing loss was reported in 26% of the patients, but was objectively present in all of them. The level of facial palsy determined the prognosis. Conclusion In this syndrome, the prognosis of facial palsy depends on the initial symptoms and clinical findings. Otologic symptoms occur more frequently in patients having a greater degree of facial nerve affectation. Vestibular symptoms have a good prognosis. Hearing loss is much more frequent than reported; as it may go unnoticed in these patients, it should always be confirmed by complementary tests.

Estudio piloto sobre el láser diodo en la cirugía estapedial

Stapes surgery has a long history. While the results are good, there is a possibility of complications that can lead to a worsening of hearing. The objective of this study was to study hearing in patients undergoing surgery using 980 Nm Diode laser in the immediate postoperative period. In no case was the bone threshold worse in the first audiometry control at 10 days of surgery. The use of a 980 Nm Diode laser thus minimises the chance of stapes footplate fracture with risk of its drop in the labyrinth. A thick stapes can be operated on without the trauma produced by drilling it. By facilitating the surgical procedure, stapes surgery with a 980 Nm Diode laser reduces the possibility of complications.

Pilot study on the diode laser in stapes surgery

Abstract Stapes surgery has a long history. While the results are good, there is a possibility of complications that can lead to a worsening of hearing. The objective of this study was to study hearing in patients undergoing surgery using 980Nm Diode laser in the immediate postoperative period. In no case was the bone threshold worse in the first audiometry control at 10 days of surgery. The use of a 980Nm Diode laser thus minimises the chance of stapes footplate fracture with risk of its drop in the labyrinth. A thick stapes can be operated on without the trauma produced by drilling it. By facilitating the surgical procedure, stapes surgery with a 980Nm Diode laser reduces the possibility of complications.

Estudio morfométrico del tercer segmento del nervio facial

Objectivo Enfatizamos en este estudio la relacion entre las estructuras de referencia del hueso temporal y su relacion con la tercera porcion del nervio facial. Material y metodo Nuestro estudio se ha realizado con 32 huesos temporales humanos, provenientes de cadaveres de adultos de ambos sexos a los que se practico timpanoplastia con el objetivo de hacer mediciones de referencia de la porcion mastoidea del nervio facial. Luego se las midio con instrumentos adecuados y se practico analisis estadistico. Resultados La cresta digastrica presenta una relacion positiva con el agujero estilomastoideo en relacion con el seno sigmoideo (p = 0,03). Existe relacion entre la posicion de la apofisis corta del yunque y la posicion del nervio facial (p Conclusiones La porcion mastoidea del nervio facial presenta relacion proporcional con estructuras de referencia del hueso temporal, lo que nos ayudara a definir medidas previas a intervenciones quirurgicas otologicas.

Morphometric study of the mastoid segment of the facial nerve

OBJECTIVE Our study emphasizes the relationship between the temporal bone structures and the mastoid portion of the facial nerve. MATERIAL AND METHODS Thirty-two temporal bones taken from adult cadavers of both sexes subjected to tympanoplastic procedure were used to make reference measures of the mastoid portion of the facial nerve. Appropriate instruments were used for measurement and statistic analysis was subsequently performed. RESULTS The digastric ridge presented a positive correlation with the stylomastoid foramen in comparison with the sigmoid sinus (P=.03). There was a correlation between the position of the short apophysis of the incus and the position of the facial nerve (P=.001). The distance from the sigmoid sinus to the mastoid portion of the facial nerve presents a positive linear relationship throughout its length (P< .001). The tympanic membrane presented a positional correlation with the distal portion of the facial nerve (P< .008). CONCLUSIONS The mastoid portion of the facial nerve is proportional to reference structures in the temporal bone and this may help us to define measures prior to surgical otologic procedures.

Puente óseo interaritenoideo post-intubación laringotraqueal prolongada

Posterior glottic stenosis or interarytenoid fibrous adhesion is uncommon and has sometimes been misdiagnosed as cord paralysis. Laryngoscopy and laryngeal electromyography studies are the two main diagnostic aids. We present the case of a 63-year-old man under endotracheal intubation during 10 days after a cardiac procedure who was evaluated in our department for persistent dysphonia. The laryngoscopy showed a granuloma-like lesion in the posterior glottic space. During the microlaryngoscopy procedure, the osseous consistence of the interarytenoid lesion was observed. Laser surgery excision of the lesion was performed with good results. According to our review of the literature, this corresponds to the second case reported.

Estudio piloto sobre la corrección de la parálisis facial con hilos tensores

We present a pilot study to evaluate the benefit of static facial suspension with Silhouette sutures. We operated on a female patient with complete facial palsy secondary to otic tuberculosis. The patient has currently achieved satisfactory facial symmetry, mastication and speech production. As a result, self-esteem and social interaction have also been recovered. Static facial suspension with Silhouette sutures is an alternative to dynamic techniques in patients who do not wish to or cannot undergo those more complex surgeries.

Pilot study on facial palsy correction with suture suspension

Abstract We present a pilot study to evaluate the benefit of static facial suspension with Silhouette sutures. We operated on a female patient with complete facial palsy secondary to otic tuberculosis. The patient has currently achieved satisfactory facial symmetry, mastication and speech production. As a result, self-esteem and social interaction have also been recovered. Static facial suspension with Silhouette sutures is an alternative to dynamic techniques in patients who do not wish to or cannot undergo those more complex surgeries.