Functional Electrical Stimulation in Seventh Nerve Palsy
1990 - Present

• I am the originator and director of a project aimed at investigating electrical stimulation of Orbicularis Muscle for reanimation in patients with seventh nerve palsy. An animal model has been successfully designed and studied clinically and pathologically. A human trial is being developed with electrode and stimulator design, stimulus trigger, and energy delivery systems being designed and optimized. This has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of Seventh Nerve Palsy. (Grants # 1,2,3, Publication #6)

Correlation of Lacrimal bone density in dacryocystorhinostomy patients with systemic bone mineral densitometry. Pathological studies of lacrimal bone and sac mucosa
1997 - Present

• In collaboration with Dr. Jeff Hurwitz at Mt. Sinai Hospital we have shown a significant correlation between lacrimal bone density estimated at the time of dacryocystorhinostomy surgery and systemic bone density as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, providing a marker for osteoporosis. Pathological studies are ongoing to utilize this information in determining the etiology of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. (Publications #29)

Efficacy, complications and surgical techniques in orbital hydroxyapatite implants
1992 - present

• I originated the Hydroxyapatite Implant Program in Toronto, an improved implant for anophthalmic sockets which provides greatly improved motility and structural integrity. Our studies have looked at the complications in a comprehensive manner, quantitative results of motility peg placement, etiologies of infected implants, and techniques for exposure correction.

  A major study was published in Ophthalmology in 1997, and summarized in the Year Book of Ophthalmology, 1998. I am interested in comparing natural and artificially-derived implants in upcoming studies, looking at vascularization rates, motility, and pegging techniques. Another paper reporting a new form of infective complication published in Ophthalmology. (Non-Peered Reviewed Grant #1, Publications #7,16,17,22,27, Publications submitted #2, letters to the Editor #1,2,3)

Orbital Trauma
1990 - Present

• I am involved in studies of ocular and orbital trauma, especially unusual cases requiring creative solutions and a multidisciplinary approach available in a trauma center such as St. Michael's Hospital. Study of trauma etiology and results will help in design of prevention mechanisms. (Publications #10,15)

CO 2 Laser incisional eyelid surgery and pulsed skin resurfacing
1996-Present

• I have been utilizing C0 2 lasers in Oculoplastic surgery for eight years, and I am investigating surgical techniques with this new modality. Studies of outcome parameters in comparison with conventional techniques are ongoing; less bleeding and edema, with rapid recovery are preliminary findings which need tobe quantitated. I have educated visiting surgeons from all over Canada in these new techniques. (Non-Peered Reviewed Publications #3,4)

Outcomes in Malignant Melanoma of the Conjunctiva
1997 - Present

• I am involved with Dr. John Harvey of McMaster University, looking at outcomes of patients with malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva. This rare disease needs a multicenter approach to derive meaningful data. (Publication in Preparation)

GRANTS

Peer Reviewed:

• Oestreicher, James H. "Orbicularis Oculi Stimulation for Eyelid Closure in Seventh Nerve Palsy" 1992 - 1993, The Physicians Services Incorporated Foundation, $13,500.00. (Principal Investigator, Oestreicher JH)
• Oestreicher, James H. "Orbicularis Oculi Stimulation for Eyelid Closure in Seventh Nerve Palsy" 1993 - 1995, The Physicians Services Incorporated Foundation, $15,000.00 . (Principal Investigator, Oestreicher JH)
• Oestreicher James H. “Electrical Eyelid Stimulation in Seventh Nerve Palsy. The J.P. Bickell Foundation, 1999 -2004, $16,600.00. (Principal Investigator, Oestreicher JH). The J.P. Bickell Foundation is a national charitable organization providing research grants on a very competitive basis with emphasis on new innovative projects with high scientific merit.

Non Peer Reviewed:

• Oestreicher, James H. "Prosthetic Motility of Hydroxyapatite Implants with and without pegging", 1994 - 1998, Integrated Orbital Implants Ltd., $2,000.00 US. (Principal Investigator, Oestreicher JH)
• Carroll, A, Oestreicher JH., Harvey J. "Injectable Hydroxyapatite and Medpor Granules in Evisceration Surgery: an animal model". 2000-2001, Porex Corporation, $5,000.00 (Co-Principal Investigator, Oestreicher JH)