Minne Ties Mini Case Report
As more and more surgeons utilize Minne Ties for appropriate cases, they are exploring the versatility of the technology, expanding from the traditional application methods in straightforward cases to utilizing alternative application techniques to achieve MMF for a broader range of patients.
Zack Brown, M.D., D.D.S. recently used Minne Ties at North Kansas City Hospital for one such case. While the patient didn’t have what would typically be considered ideal dentition, Dr. Brown was able to use one of the alternate application techniques (the lasso/wrap twist) to temporarily achieve MMF while securing the plates.
Thanks for exploring different ways to apply Minne Ties to provide benefits to more patients within your practice!
Minne Ties Tip of the Month
Minne Ties are not wire: key differences to ensure successful application
Once the Minne Ties have been looped and pulled through the patient's gingival tissue using a back and forth rocking motion, it is crucial to use proper tightening techniques to achieve secure and durable MMF.
It’s best to use your gloved hand, rather than a needle driver, to pull on the suture while simultaneously pushing the clasp down against the teeth (see image below). This provides better control and minimizes the risk of compromising the integrity of the coating on the suture. Pull straight out on the tail of the suture (while sliding the clasp toward the teeth) for a secure fit. Do not twist the suture using a needle driver, hemostat, or any other surgical instrument as pictured above.
Keep in mind that Minne Ties are made of suture material, not wire, so a gentle, straight tightening approach ensures the suture stays intact and your patients receive the optimal fixation you’re looking for.
To ensure the Minne Ties are sufficiently tight, many surgeons pull down on the patient’s mandible/chin while visualizing occlusion rather than continuing to manipulate each Minne Tie individually. Minne Ties were designed to work as a system, and this approach helps assess the rigidity of the MMF and the overall strength of construct. If the occlusion is not tight enough, continue to tighten each Tie by pulling straight out while pushing the clasp against the teeth.
After pulling the suture through the patient's gingival tissue using a rocking motion, tighten Minne Ties by pulling outward on the tail of the suture while pushing down on the clasp head with your other hand.
Article of the Month
In an article in the July 2005 edition of the Archives of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, titled "Age as a prognostic factor for complications of major head and neck surgery", Boruk et al. investigated whether age alone is a prognostic indicator of surgical outcomes for head and neck surgery procedures. They conducted a retrospective cohort study reviewing 157 cases from Long Island College Hospital and State University hospital, downstate medical center. The authors identified comorbid conditions using ASA (American Society of Anesthesiology) scores, ACE-27 tests, and the CCI.
The authors used multiple logistic regressions and did not find a significant statistical relationship between being 70 years or older (20% of patients) and either complications or hospital length of stay. However, they found that time spent under general anesthesia (TUGA) was consistently related to complication rates. Their results indicate that there is "a statistically significant correlation between complication rate and TUGA in minutes. In fact, there was a quantifiable increase in rate: every 60 minutes of anesthesia time increased the odds of having a complication by 18% to 36%". The authors conclude that further research is needed to investigate both the relationship between age and postoperative outcome as well as how TUGA affects postoperative complication rates and adverse outcomes.
Recent and Upcoming Events
Invisian Medical is pleased to have hosted training events in 2023 at the following programs
Weill Cornell Medicine's OMFS Program
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine's OMFS Program
Banner Health OMFS Program
The University of Louisville OMFS Program
The University of Iowa In-Service
The University of Cincinnati OMFS Program
Temple University OMFS Program
Medical University of South Carolina ENT/Facial Plastics In-Service
Medical University of South Carolina OMFS In-Service
Invisian Medical was also grateful for the opportunity to support the Minnesota Academy of Otolaryngology Annual Meeting, the American Society of Temporomandibular Joint Surgeons (ASTMJS) 2023 Annual Meeting in Key Largo, FL, and the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons (AACMFS), Annual Meeting in Chapel Hill, NC.
As with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), including with Minne Ties. For complete information regarding indications for use, additional application and removal instructions, risks, contraindications, warnings, precautions and adverse events, please review the device’s Instructions for Use (IFU) included in the package and at www.minneties.com.
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