Furlow

"Furlow" can refer to a few different things, but the most common references are:

1. Furlow Palatoplasty (Furlow Double-Opposing Z-Plasty)

This is a surgical techniqueprimarily used to repair cleft palates. It was developed by Dr. Leonard Furlow and is considered a major advancement in cleft surgery.

• What it does:The procedure uses a Z-shaped incision to rearrange the muscles and tissues of the soft palate. This lengthens the palate and repositions the muscles into a more normal, horizontal orientation.
• Key Benefit:This reconstruction helps restore the function of the velopharyngeal sphincter, which is crucial for:

  • Speech:Preventing hypernasal speech (air escaping into the nose).
  • Swallowing:Preventing liquids/food from entering the nasal cavity.

• It is often used for both initial cleft palate repairs and for secondary surgeries to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI).

2. Furlow (Farscape Character)

In the sci-fi TV series Farscape, Furlowis a recurring character. She is a shrewd, amoral, and mechanically gifted alien who runs a salvage yard on a remote planet. She is known for her sharp business sense, cynicism, and her significant role in several episodes, particularly those involving the living ship Moya's mechanics.

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