Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has shown benefits in patients with end-stage heart failure, depressed left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (< or = 35%), and prolonged QRS duration (> or = 120 ms). However, based on the conventional criteria, 20% to 40% of patients fail to respond to CRT. Studies have focused on important parameters for predicting CRT response, such as LV dyssynchron...

port wine stains are benign but cosmetically devasting congenital angiomas. the argon laser is a therapeutic device newly applied to this condition. our program was begun 6 years ago. from the beginning, the study was conceived as a clinical investigation of both the port wine stain and its argon laser therapy. a total of 218 patients with port wine stains have been studied and many aspects of ...

BACKGROUND Among therapeutic modalities of acne scars, subcision is a simple, safe procedure with a different and basic mechanism for correcting atrophic and depressed scars. Subcision releases scar surfaces from underlying attachments and induces connective tissue formation beneath the scar directly, without injury to the skin surface. Therefore, subcision is a valuable method, but due to high...

In the individuals previously uninfected by M.tuberculosis, about 2 to 4 weeks after the vaccination, erythema around an area of induration appears. Approximately at the site of prick of injection a nodule shows up. Within 3 to 10 days time, it softens giving rise to a pustule. Bursting of the pustule in about 2 to 5 days after its appearance results in an ulcer 4 to 8 mm in size. This painless...

linear and cord-like burn scar contractures are commonly treated by severing the scar in a transverse direction and skin grafting or performing z-plasties. however, skin grafts may result in suboptimal take and contract gradually and the z-plasty requires undermining flaps in scarred skin which may lead to the distal tip necrosis. in this article the authors present their experience with multip...

BACKGROUND Temporal hollowing is inevitable after decompressive craniectomy. This complication affects self-perception and quality of life, and various techniques and materials have therefore been used to restore patients' confidence. Autologous fat grafting in postoperative scar tissue has been considered challenging because of the hostile tissue environment. However, in this study, we demonst...

Subcision is a surgical technique used mostly to manage depressed scars. Over time, many modifications to this surgical technique have been made by various surgeons in order to make it simpler and more effective. We report here a new technique that aims to combine the privilege of the prevention of penetrating the skin beyond the scar and maintaining a horizontal orientation, while taking the a...

BACKGROUND Scars represent the visible sequelae of trauma, injury, burn, or surgery. They may induce distress in the patient because of their aesthetically unpleasant appearance, especially if they are excessively raised, depressed, wide, or erythematous. They may also cause the patient symptoms of pain, tightness, and pruritus. Numerous products are marketed for scar prevention or improvement,...