Puncture threshold prior to leakage from tissue expander reservoirs.
An ex vivo study was devised to ascertain the maximum number of needle punctures possible prior to onset of leakage from remote-type tissue expansion reservoirs. At least 10 standard valves obtained from all major manufacturers were analyzed using various needle gauges. An 18-gauge beveled needle was determined to be the maximum size that could be safely employed for all vendors within a usual course for tissue expansion. No significant difference was found in comparison of Dacron-reinforced versus plain silicone membrane-type valves.
Hallock
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Division of Plastic Surgery, Allentown Affiliated Hospital, Pa.
D004868:Equipment Failure; D019736:Prostheses and Implants