Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the retroauricular transmeatal approach in the treatment of condylar head and neck fractures, and to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: This study has been reviewed and approved by the institutional medical ethics committee and has obtained informed consent from the patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with condylar head and neck fractures treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach between March and October 2024. Postoperative follow-up was performed for at least 3 months, including clinical and radiographical evaluations. The assessed parameters included facial nerve function, temporal region numbness, hematoma, infection, salivary fistula, mouth opening, malocclusion, mandibular movement function, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and clicking, external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, hearing function impairment, surgical scar concealment, postoperative reduction and fixation outcomes. Results: A total of 16 patients with condylar fractures were treated via the retroauricular transmeatal approach, including 10 unilateral and 6 bilateral cases. Specifically, 18 sides were condylar head fractures, and 4 sides were condylar neck fractures. All patients achieved a House-Brackmann Grade I, indicating normal facial nerve function postoperatively. On postoperative day 1, 3 sides experienced temporal numbness in the temporal region on the surgical side, with spontaneous resolution in all cases. All patients recovered after surgery without hematoma, infection, or salivary fistula. Limited mouth opening was improved (14 cases with restricted mouth opening preoperatively vs. 3 cases postoperatively). No malocclusion occurred in any patient. All patients achieved satisfactory recovery of postoperative mandibular movement function, manifested as restored range of motion without pain. No TMJ clicking was observed within 3 months after surgery. One keloid-prone patient developed progressive EAC stenosis (2 mm lumen constriction) accompanied by conductive hearing impairment, which recovered after dilation therapy. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic outcomes. Radiographically parametric assessment demonstrated satisfactory fracture reduction and fixation; with no loosening of titanium plates or screws. Conclusion The retroauricular transmeatal approach effectively reduces the risk of facial nerve injury and salivary fistulas formation with providing concealed scarring and high patient satisfaction. However, caution should be exercised regarding EAC stenosis, especially for keloid-prone patients.

Objective    To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Methods    From February 2016 to November 2018, 98 patients of pure PDA were selected, including 43 patients of funnel type and 55 patients of tube type. There were 38 males and 60 females at age of 2-48 (9.8±10.4) years. All patients underwent TTE-guided retrograde closure of the PDA through the femoral artery to establish a femoral-abdominal aorta-thoracic aorta-ductus arteriosus-aorta-right ventricle trajectory.Under the guidance of TTE, a suitable closure umbrella was placed through the femoral artery. One month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months after the surgery, the patients received out-patient clinical follow-up. Results    Ninety eight patients were successfully occluded by TTE. The occluder was replaced many times in an adult PDA patient, but finally it was successfully plugged. The operation time was 33.2±5.8 min. The lumbar diameter was 12±6 mm. And the postoperative murmur disappeared. Ultrasound showed no shunt between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, and the postoperative hospital stay was 3-4 days. No shunt signal was found in 1, 3, 6, 12 months follow-up. Left atrial anteroposterior diameter (25.8±6.1 mm vs. 30.6±8.4 mm) and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (38.5±9.1 mm vs. 45.2±11.5 mm) were significantly smaller (P < 0.05). Conclusion    TTE-guided transcatheter closure of PDA via femoral artery is a safe and effective method to avoid the damage of X-ray and contrast medium. The prospect of clinical application is good.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) guided by transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) through the femoral artery.Methods From February 2016 to December 2017,53 patients with simple PDA were selected,the funnel type in 30 cases,cast type in 23 cases.All patients were guided by TTE and transcatheter closure of PDA through the femoral artery.The femoral artery was guided by TTE by establishing the orbit of the femoral artery-catheter-pulmonary artery to the right ventricle.The right ventricular septal defect was placed under the femoral artery approach,and the therapeutic effect was evaluated by echocardiography after occlusion.The outpatient visits were made at 1,3,and 6 months after operation.Results PDA closure was successfully completed under TTE guidance in 53 patients.In one adult PDA,the ultrasonic diagnosis of the inner diameter of the catheter was incorrect due to the image quality,which resulted in the replacement of the occluded device several times,but the occlusion was successful.The operative time was (30 ± 10)min.And the back diameter of the transcatheter closure device was (12 ± 6) mm and the murmur of the transmission sheath disappeared.There was no shunt between the main pulmonary artery and the main pulmonary artery,and the length of hospitalization was 3-4 days.No shunt signal was found at 1,3 and 6 months follow-up.Left atrial diameter (LAD) [(25.8 ± 6.1) mm vs (30.6 ± 8.4) mm] and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) [(38.5 ±9.1)mm vs (45.2 ± 11.5)mm],were decreased significantly (P ＜0.05).Conclusions It is safe and effective to block PDA by using femoral artery approach under the guidance of TTE,which avoids the damage of X-ray and contrast agent,and its prospect of clinical application is promising.