Significance
Inducing the growth of new blood vessels by specific factors is an attractive strategy to restore blood flow in ischemic tissues. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the master regulator of angiogenesis, yet clinical trials of VEGF gene delivery failed. Major challenges include the need to control the tissue distribution of factor dose and the duration of expression. Here, we developed a highly tunable fibrin-based platform to precisely control the dose and duration of VEGF protein delivery in tissues. Optimized delivery of fibrin-bound VEGF ensured normal, stable, and functional angiogenesis and improved perfusion of ischemic tissues, without genetic modification and with limited duration of VEGF delivery. These findings suggest a strategy to improve both safety and efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis.
Computer-aided design, three-dimensional printing, and additive manufacturing are revolutionizing craniomaxillofacial trauma surgery. Traditionally, this is completed via third-party vendors during online web meetings. Although this is effective, it can take several weeks to have custom plates arrive, negating its use in acute facial trauma. The price of 3D printers and software needed to complete this in-house are decreasing. This allows for expedited turn around, facilitating treatment in the acute setting. This article serves as a review of fundamental 3D printing principles and describes the process of virtually reducing facial fractures, 3D printing the reduced models, and having a plate ready for surgery in hours.
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