Otolaryngology Research Programs

Work in the facial plastic and reconstructive surgery division has focused clinically on free flap reconstruction and, in the translational labs, work has focused on flap physiology and radiation induced fibrosis. Clinical work has focused on outcomes related to free flap reconstruction using a database maintained by Dr. Heffelfinger and Dr. Krein. Much of this has focused on periorbital reconstruction. Drs. Pribitkin, Heffelfinger and Krein have also focused on outcomes in aesthetic surgery. Drs. Pribitkin, Heffelfinger and Luginbuhl have developed a rodent single-pedicled fasciocutaneus flap model that enables investigations of study flap physiology under varying stresses. In collaboration with Dr. Johnnes Hoek, objective measures of flap survival have been elaborated. To date, the effects of aging and irradiation on flap viability have been documented and promising interventions such as VEG-F, stem cell infusion and exercise have been explored. New avenues of research will include exploring the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on flap physiology and the effects of EGFR antagonistic monoclonal antibodies on irradiated flap viability. Dr. Luginbuhl has worked extensively on a model to mitigate radiation fibrosis using a novel compound. This work was funded by the Department of Defense in 2016.