Faisal M, Fathy H, Shaban H, Abuelela ST, Marie A, Khaled I A novel technique of harmonic tissue dissection reduces seroma formation after modified radical mastectomy compared to conventional electrocautery: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. Patient Saf Surg. 2018 May 17;12:8. doi: 10.1186/s13037-018-0155-3. eCollection 2018.
He Q, Zhuang D, Zheng L, Fan Z, Zhou P, Zhu J, Lv Z, Chai J, Cao L Harmonic focus versus electrocautery in axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer: a randomized clinical study. Clin Breast Cancer. 2012 Dec;12(6):454-8. doi: 10.1016/j.clbc.2012.07.014. Epub 2012 Oct 3.
Hung SH, Chu D, Chen FM, Chen T, Chen RC Evaluation of the harmonic scalpel in breast conserving and axillary staging surgery. J Chin Med Assoc. 2012 Oct;75(10):519-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2012.07.006. Epub 2012 Sep 15.
Sowa Y, Numajiri T, Kawarazaki A, Sakaguchi K, Taguchi T, Nishino K Preventive effects on seroma formation with use of the harmonic focus shears after breast reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap. J Plast Surg Hand Surg. 2016 Dec;50(6):349-353. doi: 10.1080/2000656X.2016.1178129. Epub 2016 May 5.
Economic Comparison Between the Use of Ultrasonic Scissors and Diathermy for Axillary Clearance in Breast Cancer Patients
Interventional studies are often prospective and are specifically tailored to evaluate direct impacts of treatment or preventive measures on disease.
Observational studies are often retrospective and are used to assess potential causation in exposure-outcome relationships and therefore influence preventive methods.
Expanded access is a means by which manufacturers make investigational new drugs available, under certain circumstances, to treat a patient(s) with a serious disease or condition who cannot participate in a controlled clinical trial.
Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.
Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.
