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Biomedical subjects

Barry T Uchida

Publications and source records attributed to Barry T Uchida.

16 recordsLinked to original sources

Comparison of the endothelialization of small intestinal submucosa, dacron, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene suspended in the thoracoabdominal aorta in sheep.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate and compare endothelialization of small intestinal submucosa (SIS), Dacron, and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in high-pressure flow without aortic wall contact and to evaluate the suitability of SIS as a vascular graft material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 12 adult sheep, three types of membrane leaflets of similar thickness (approximately 200 mum) were suspended within large square stents without contact with the thoracoabdominal aortic wall: SIS (n = 12), Dacron (n = 12), and ePTFE (n = 12). Each animal received one leaflet of each material. Aortograms were obtained before and after percutaneous implantation and when the animal was killed at 8 weeks (n = 6) or 18 weeks (n = 6). Cell coverage and remodeling of SIS, Dacron, and ePTFE membranes were assessed by gross and histologic microscopic examinations. RESULTS: Thirty-five successfully implanted leaflets were evaluated. SIS showed progressive remodeling. Thirty-three leaflets exhibited thickening as a result of neointimal formation and endothelialization, most likely from circulating endothelial cells. Dacron exhibited the greatest and most progressing degree of neointimal formation and endothelialization, followed by SIS and then ePTFE. With SIS and ePTFE, neointimal formation decreased with time, but endothelialization was stable. Uneven neointimal formation and endothelialization on the outer surfaces and distal leaflet positions were seen. CONCLUSIONS: SIS showed progressive remodeling with moderate and regressive neointimal formation and moderate stable endothelialization. Further study of its durability and incorporation into the aortic wall needs to be performed to evaluate its suitability as a cover for aortic endografts.

Animals↗

Persistent left superior vena cava in sheep.

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare finding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of PLSVC in sheep. In this case, PLSVC was confirmed using angiography.

Animals↗

Significance of spatial orientation of percutaneously placed bioprosthetic venous valves in an ovine model.

PURPOSE: To investigate two spatial orientations of a percutaneously placed bicuspid second-generation bioprosthetic venous valve (SG-BVV) in the jugular vein (JV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve SG-BVVs, consisting of small intestinal submucosa attached to a nitinol frame were placed across a natural valve (NV) in the distal JV in six sheep. Six SG-BVVs were oriented as NV leaflets (group A) and the other six SG-BVVs were rotated 90 degrees to NV leaflets (group B). SG-BVV function was studied by venography performed immediately after placement and at 5 weeks after placement. Animals were killed at 5 weeks, and gross examinations were performed. RESULTS: Desired valve orientation after deployment was seen in all SG-BVVs. In group A, all valves exhibited good valve function on immediate and 5-week venography. At gross examination, leaflets were attached mostly at the valve base and free cusp areas were similar in both cusps with a mean of 154.8 mm2 +/- 45.6 for one cusp and 142 mm2 +/- 53.4 for the other cusp (P = .188). In group B, all valves showed good function on immediate venography and in five valves prior to killing. Valve attachment to the vein wall in this group involved a longer segment of leaflets and their free areas were smaller with a wide variety of cusp sizes. Mean free leaflet areas of opposing cusps measured 106.3 mm2 +/- 36.5 and 66.1 mm2 +/- 34.6, respectively (P = .025). Difference in leaflet areas between group A and group B was significant (P = .019). CONCLUSION: Proper spatial orientation of the SG-BVV at deployment is important for valve function and should have the same orientation as the NV.

Animals↗

Long-term optional retrievability of a new inferior vena cava filter in an ovine model.

Long-term retrievability of a new optional retrieval inferior vena cava (IVC) filter composed of a modified square stent and a modified Günther Tulip filter was tested in eight sheep. Eleven filters were placed into the IVC and eight were successfully retrieved 3-5 months after implantation. Incorporation of the filter struts into the IVC wall prevented its retrieval in three sheep at 3, 4, and 5 months after placement.

Animals↗

Small intestinal submucosa aneurysm sac embolization for endoleak prevention after abdominal aortic aneurysm endografting: a pilot study in sheep.

PURPOSE: To percutaneously create an improved abdominal aortic aneurysm model of endoleak after endograft placement and to explore efficacy of small intestinal submucosal embolization of the residual aneurysmal sac for prevention of endoleaks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Abdominal aortic aneurysm was created transluminally by over-dilation of a Palmaz stent in 12 sheep. Approximately 20% undersized endografts suspended between two stent-graft adapters were used to bridge the aneurysm in a manner that two lumbar pairs remained patent within the residual aneurysm sac. Size of the residual aneurysm sac was increased by placement of an undersized stent-graft consisting of damaged lyophilized small intestinal submucosal sheets sandwiched between two Zilver stents. In six sheep, residual aneurysm sacs were embolized by combining small intestinal submucosal sponge and small intestinal submucosal sheet pieces. The other six sheep served as the control group. Angiography performed immediately after the procedure was compared with follow-up angiography before the animals were killed at 1, 3, and 7 months. Gross and histologic examinations were also obtained. RESULTS: Aortic ruptures (n = 3) and dissections (n = 2) during aneurysm creation responded well to endograft placement. Eleven endografts were placed successfully, one was misplaced. The mean diameter of aneurysmal sac was 16 mm in the study and 15.2 mm in the control group. In the study group, in four sheep, the sac and seven pairs of lumbar arteries were occluded by embolization and remained obstructed by organized thrombus during the entire study. There were no type II endoleaks. Four type III new endoleaks developed without antegrade filling of lumbar arteries. In the control group, five animals had type I and II endoleaks at the initial studies. Only one sheep exhibited completely organized thrombosis of the aneurysmal sac and without endoleaks. In the other four sheep with partially organized sac thrombosis, endoleaks were unchanged. One type III endoleak occurred in this group. CONCLUSION: The combination of small intestinal submucosal sponge and small intestinal submucosal sheet pieces is a promising embolic material for occlusion of the residual sac after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and for prevention of type II endoleaks.

Animals↗

Percutaneous transgastric technique for creating gastroenteric anastomoses in swine.

PURPOSE: To develop a percutaneous transgastric procedure for creating a stent-containing gastroenteric anastomosis (GEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute experiments were performed on eight pigs. A 10-F gastroduodenostomy sheath was used to insert guide wires and targeting devices in the retrogastric jejunal loop; a 6.5-F sheathed trocar needle was then introduced through a second gastric sheath to puncture and catheterize the jejunum through the back of the stomach. Two special sliding anchor pairs were introduced through the catheter to "sandwich" the gastric sheath to the jejunal wall. The jejunum was catheterized a third time between the anchor sets to create a GEA tract for insertion of a stent. The animals were killed at various periods as long as 1 month after the experiments. RESULTS: Snares were the most useful targeting devices for jejunal puncture. Single (n = 1) and double (n = 7) anchor-pair staples effectively prevented intraperitoneal leakage during and after insertion of 12-mm or 14-mm stents. Necropsy of six healthy animals at 5 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 4 weeks (n = 3) showed well-developed patent GEA anastomoses. There was one anesthetic death; one animal was killed at 4 days for obstructive ileus after a difficult transgastric jejunal catheterization. CONCLUSIONS: A GEA can be fashioned through a percutaneous gastrostomy with stapling anchors. This technique may have clinical applications for managing gastric outlet obstruction.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Remodeling of suspended small intestinal submucosa venous valve: an experimental study in sheep to assess the host cells' origin.

PURPOSE: To investigate the origin of host cells during remodeling of small intestinal submucosa (SIS) square stent-based bicuspid venous valves (VVs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Suspended VVs (SVVs) were developed by suspending VVs within bare square stents so the valve elements would not contact the vein wall after deployment. Eight SVVs were placed within the intrahepatic and infrahepatic inferior venae cavae (IVCs) of four adult female sheep. Eight standard VVs were implanted in the external jugular veins of these animals for comparison. At 5 weeks after placement, the devices were examined for stability and patency and the animals were killed. Gross, histologic, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examinations were performed. RESULTS: Follow-up spot radiographs and venography showed no migration of the devices, venous occlusion, or thrombus formation. All SVVs were intact without contact with the IVC wall. Six VVs were competent and two were slightly tilted with some reflux. Histologic study showed remodeling of SVVs and VVs with newly formed collagen fibers; fibroblasts and inflammatory cells were found penetrating the SIS leaflets and endothelial cells on the surface. SIS neovascularization was also present. There was no difference regarding SIS remodeling between SVVs and the free part of VV leaflets. The VV leaflets' bases were thicker compared to their free parts (P <.01). SEM examination showed endothelial cells on both sides of the SVVs and VVs. Endothelialization of the SVV central leaflet surfaces and both surfaces of the VV leaflets was more complete than that of the peripheral surfaces of the SVV leaflets. CONCLUSION: SIS-based valve remodeling occurs independently of vessel wall contact by recruitment of cells directly from the circulation.

Animals↗

A canine model for studying endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to create an animal model of endoleak after stent-graft placement for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in which a large aneurysmal sac would be preserved for the testing of techniques for its percutaneous occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infrarenal AAAs were created in nine dogs by anastomosis of an isolated segment of the inferior vena cava to the right side of the abdominal aorta in combination with a large anterior patch from the external jugular vein. One hour later, animals underwent percutaneous implantation of polytetrafluoroethylene-covered Z stent endografts with three 3-mm-diameter holes through the fabric. Aortograms were obtained before and after surgery, after endograft placement, and at the time of animal sacrifice at 1 week or 1, 2, 3, or 6 months. Pressures within the aorta and the aneurysm sac were recorded before animal sacrifice. Gross and histologic evaluations of the specimens were then carried out. RESULTS: Immediately after endograft placement, all nine animals had artificial type III endoleaks with angiographic filling of lumbar arteries and veins. One animal died of surgical complications within 2 days of surgery and is not included in our data analysis. One aneurysm ruptured at 1 week. At completion of the study, six endografts were patent and two were occluded. The aneurysm sac had enlarged by approximately 50% in seven animals. At follow-up, type I endoleak was present in three animals, type II endoleak was present in three, and the artificial type III endoleak was present in all six animals with patent endografts. The pressure differential between aorta and aneurysm sac was 36 mm Hg, with a mean aortic pressure of 87 mm Hg +/- 13.3 and a mean aneurysmal sac pressure of 51 mm Hg +/- 28.1. The aneurysmal sac exhibited early thrombus formation at 1 week, which progressed to complete thrombosis in 1-6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The model is technically feasible but would be useful in testing occlusive techniques for residual aneurysm sacs only in the acute phase after endograft placement. It would be not reliable for chronic evaluation because of rapidly progressive thrombosis in most aneurysm sacs and occasional complete thrombosis of the AAA and endograft.

Animals↗

Comparison of small intestinal submucosa-covered and noncovered nitinol stents in sheep iliac arteries: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare the biocompatibility and performance of nitinol endografts covered externally or internally with small intestinal submucosa (SIS) with bare nitinol stents in medium-sized arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen nitinol Zilver stents were used: six externally SIS-covered endografts (ECEs), six internally SIS-covered endografts (ICEs), and six bare stents (BSs). Devices were implanted in the balloon-injured external iliac arteries (EIAs) of nine female sheep via carotid approach. Arteriograms were obtained before and after implantation and before animal sacrifice at 1, 3, and 6 months. Histologic studies of explanted specimens were performed. RESULTS: Implantation of all BSs, ECEs, and ICEs was successful, but slight luminal narrowing of 19% +/- 5.3% (range, 12%-28%) was seen in ICEs on postimplantation angiograms. At sacrifice, all six BSs and ECEs were patent, with BSs showing a mean angiographic luminal narrowing of 8.4% +/- 7.2% (range, 0%-18%) and ECEs showing a mean angiographic luminal narrowing of 16% +/- 7.5% (range, 6.5%-26%) as a result of neointimal hyperplasia. Four ICEs showed luminal narrowing of 21% +/- 17% (range, 0%-35%) as a result of marked neointimal hyperplasia and two were occluded, one at 3 months and the other at 6 months. ECEs and BSs showed approximately 80% lumen endothelialization at 1 month, which increased to 100% at 3 and 6 months. ICEs did not show complete endothelialization. CONCLUSION: The BS had the least vessel wall reaction. ECEs exhibited early endothelialization with early mild to moderate wall reaction decreasing at the late study stages. ICEs showed extensive wall reaction, possibly as a result of technical problems with SIS attachment.

Alloys↗

Percutaneous bioprosthetic venous valve: a long-term study in sheep.

A long-term evaluation of a new percutaneously placed bioprosthetic, bicuspid venous valve (BVV) consisting of a square stent and small intestinal submucosa (SIS) covering was performed in 12 sheep. Of 26 BVVs placed into the jugular veins, 25 exhibited good valve function on immediate venography and 22 on venograms obtained before the sheep were killed. Gross and histologic examination results demonstrated incorporation of remodeled and endothelialized SIS BVVs into the vein wall. Slight to moderate leaflet thickening was found mostly at their bases. Percutaneously placed SIS BVV is a promising one-way, competent valve that resists venous back-pressure while allowing forward flow.

Animals↗

A flexible stent with small intestinal submucosa covering for direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt: experimental pilot study in swine.

The suitability of the flexible sandwich Zilver stent-graft (SZSG) with a biologically active tissue layer (small intestinal submucosa) for creation of the intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided direct intrahepatic portocaval shunt (DIPS) was explored in six young swine in a search for a flexible system to replace the rigid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stent originally used by this group with limited success. The portal vein was punctured from the inferior vena cava through the caudate lobe of the liver using IVUS guidance. After balloon dilation of the puncture tract, DIPS was successfully created in all animals with use of an SZSG 9 mm in diameter and 6 cm or 8 cm long. Only one DIPS remained well patent at 14 days when the animal had to be killed because of encephalopathy. DIPS in the other five animals were found to be either severely stenosed (3 animals) or occluded (2 animals) at 4 weeks due to accelerated formation of neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) in the liver parenchymal portion of the shunt and superimposed thrombosis. The lack of high pressure in the portal system contributed to early endograft closure. The flexible stent and the covering fail badly. The reason for this could be due to either component. More work is required to find a reliable flexible system with long-term patency. Exploration of the IVUS-guided direct extrahepatic portocaval shunt is suggested.

Animals↗

Comparison of small intestinal submucosa-covered and noncovered nitinol stents with PTFE endografts in injured ovine femoral arteries: a pilot study.

The purpose of this study was to compare performance of small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-covered endografts (SCEs) to polytetra-fluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered endografts (PCEs) and to bare nitinol stents (BSs) in injured sheep femoral artery (FA). Bare Zilver 6 mm X 40 mm nitinol stents (n = 6), Zilver stents covered with SIS (n = 6), and Palmaz stents 6 mm x 37 mm covered with PTFE (n = 6) were implanted in the balloon-injured FAs of nine female sheep. Follow-up arteriograms were obtained before animal sacrifice at 1, 3 and 6 months, with three animals at each time point. The FAs with the implanted device were explanted for histologic studies and morphologic measurements. Stent implantation was technically successful in all sheep. All BS and SCEs were patent at each time point. Five BSs and five SCEs exhibited formation of progressive eccentric intimal hyperplasia (IH) that was more advanced in SCE at 6 months. Cross-sectional area narrowing averaged 60% for BSs and 67% for SCEs. One BS, one SCE and two patent PCEs exhibited mild-to-moderate formation of concentric IH. Four PCS occluded one at 1 month, two at 3 months and one at 6 months. Performance of the devices placed into sheep FAs depended on their relation to the curving peri-articular portion of the FA during extremity flexion. BSs and SCEs placed in this portion exhibited progressive growth of eccentric IH while PCEs placed in this portion occluded.

Alloys↗

Experimental percutaneous extrahepatic portacaval shunt creation by transjugular approach in Swine.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of the creation of a percutaneous extrahepatic portacaval shunt (PEPS) in swine by a transjugular approach and to find a suitable stent-graft to use in PEPS. In 12 swine, the extrahepatic portal vein (PV) was entered from the inferior vena cava (IVC) by a needle system introduced from the transjugular approach. A catheter introduced through the transhepatic approach served as a target. Five types of stent-graft consisting of homemade Z stents and a polytetrafluoethylene cover were explored for PEPS creation. Eight animals had follow-up venograms up to 6 weeks or until the shunt became severely stenotic. Gross and histologic examinations were performed after the final follow-up venography. The PV punctures and stent-graft placement were difficult, but the PEPS was established in all animals. In four animals, the stent-graft failed to adequately cover the tract, causing severe hemorrhage. Only two shunts remained patent up to 6 weeks. The other shunts exhibited severe stenosis or occlusion. At gross examination, all shunts traversed the liver parenchyma of the caudate lobe surrounding the IVC. The extravascular PEPS portion was 4 mm to 2 cm long. All shunts entered the PV close to the splenomesenteric junction and exhibited neointimal formation. Shunt stenoses were caused by neointimal hyperplasia and occlusions by a superimposed thrombus. PEPS can be created by the transjugular approach in swine, but only the PV shunt entrance is extrahepatic. None of the tested rigid stent-grafts were suitable for PEPS creation. A short flexible stent-graft with flanged ends is suggested for further exploration.

Animals↗

Prophylactic residual aneurysmal sac embolization with expandable hydrogel embolic devices for endoleak prevention: preliminary study in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of residual aneurysmal sac (RAS) embolization with the expandable hydrogel embolic device (EHED) in prevention of endoleaks in a surgically created and endoluminally treated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS: In eight dogs, an AAA was created by means of side-to-side anastomosis between the infrarenal abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) with ligation of the IVC above and below the anastomotic end, followed by deployment of an endograft with holes. The RAS was then embolized with the EHED. One animal was killed immediately after RAS embolization and one animal died 12 hr after the procedure. Follow-up aortograms were obtained in six animals after 1 day (1 animal), 2 weeks and 6 months (1 animal), and 8 weeks (4 animals). RESULTS: Four animals had no endoleaks on the follow-up aortograms. The remaining two animals with incomplete RAS embolization had moderate type III endoleaks. Type I or II endoleaks were not seen in any animals. Complications included RAS wall penetration by the devices with platinum wires in two animals (nos. 1 and 2), device migration into an aortic circulation through the endograft holes in two animals (nos. 2 and 3) or through distal interstices between the aortic wall and endograft in one animal (no. 8), aortic occlusion in three animals (nos. 3, 7, and 8), and RAS rupture in one animal (no. 7). Histologic examination showed expanded hydrogels occupying the RAS with associated mature or immature organized thrombus, fibrinous thrombus, or degenerate blood cells. CONCLUSION: RAS embolization was feasible with the EHED, although additional modifications to the device are required to avoid complications. Angiographic and histologic results suggested that RAS embolization with the EHED may help in the prevention of endoleaks.

Animals↗

Effects of blood flow and/or ventilation restriction on radiofrequency coagulation size in the lung: an experimental study in swine.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the restriction of blood flow and/or ventilation affects the radiofrequency (RF) ablation coagulation size in lung parenchyma. Thirty-one RF ablations were done in 16 normal lungs of 8 living swine with 2-cm LeVeen needles. Eight RF ablations were performed as a control (group G1), eight with balloon occlusion of the ipsilateral mainstem bronchus (G2), eight with occlusion of the ipsilateral pulmonary artery (G3), and seven with occlusion of both the ipsilateral bronchus and pulmonary artery (G4). Coagulation diameters and volumes of each ablation zone were compared on computed tomography (CT) and gross specimen examinations. Twenty-six coagulation zones were suitable for evaluation: eight in G1, five in G2, seven in G3, and six in G4 groups. In G1, the mean coagulation diameter was 21.5 +/- 3.5 mm on CT and 19.5 +/- 1.78 mm on gross specimen examination. In G2, the mean diameters were 26.5 +/- 5.1 mm and 23.0 +/- 2.7 mm on CT and gross specimen examination, respectively. In G3, the mean diameters were 29.4 +/- 2.2 mm and 27.4 +/- 2.9 mm on CT and gross specimen examination, respectively, and in G4, they were 32.6 +/- 3.33 mm and 28.8 +/- 2.6 mm, respectively. The mean coagulation volumes were 3.39 +/- l.52 cm(3) on CT and 3.01 +/- 0.94 cm(3) on gross examinations in G1, 6.56 +/- 2.47 cm(3) and 5.22 +/- 0.85 cm(3) in G2, 10.93 +/- 2.17 cm(3) and 9.97 +/- 2.91 cm(3) in G3, and 13.81 +/- 3.03 cm(3) and 11.06 +/- 3.27 cm(3) in G4, respectively. The mean coagulation diameters on gross examination and mean coagulation volumes on CT and gross examination with G3 and G4 were significantly larger than those in G1 (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively) or in G2 (p < 0.05, p < 0.005, p < 0.005, respectively). Pulmonary collapse occurred in one lung in G2 and pulmonary artery thrombus in two lungs of G3 and two lungs of G4. The coagulation size of RF ablation of the lung parenchyma is increased by ventilation and particularly by pulmonary artery blood flow restriction. The value of these restrictions for potential clinical use needs to be explored in experimentally induced lung tumors.

Animals↗