title: Introduction of "Papazian Pusher: " A Modified-Design Knot Pusher for Surgical Repair of Cleft Palates.
abstract: Tying sutures is an integral aspect of any surgery and reliable instruments are essential for hassle-free procedures including craniofacial surgeries. Knot pushers have been widely known for their application in various laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and anal surgeries. The literature reveals numerous articles pertaining to knot pushers, as well as improvements on existing designs. Nevertheless, no application of knot pushers in the surgical repair of cleft palates has been described. We describe a new knot pusher "Papazian Pusher" (PP) finely designed for application in oral surgeries in general and repair of cleft palates in particular. The instrument was used satisfactorily in repair of cleft palate surgeries and no complications were encountered. The PP was found, overall, to be easy to use, and helps in performing faster, stronger, smooth, and secure knots.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Nazareth J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Papazian
authors.forename: Fadl
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chahine
authors.forename: Bishara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Atiyeh
authors.forename: Samer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deeba
authors.forename: Elias
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zgheib
authors.forename: Ghassan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Abu-Sittah
mesh_terms: D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000601:surgery*; D004146:Dioxanes / Q000737:chemistry; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011126:Polypropylenes / Q000737:chemistry; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D004146:Dioxanes; D011091:Polyesters; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013193:Stainless Steel; C095495:glycolide E-caprolactone copolymer