A new type of vascular prosthesis made of polyurethane with a fibrous structure of the wall was implanted in the carotid and/or femoral artery of dogs. The healing process and neo-intima formation after implantation of this type of prosthesis was followed with light- and scanning electron microscopy. A total of 18 prostheses, which had been implanted for 1, 3, 6, 9 or 20 weeks were studied. Endothelial like cells invaded the prosthesis over the anastomoses, starting the first week after implantation. The growth zones advanced steadily, and prostheses measuring 3 cm in length were completely endothelialized by 20 weeks after implantation, a mean growth rate of the endothelial like cells of 0.09 mm/day. Subsequently, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells grew between the neoendothelial layer and the prosthetic inner surface, forming a new multi-layered neo-intima. Cellular elements of the neo-intima were firmly anchored onto the inner wall of the prosthesis by cells with extending cytoplasmic protrusions between the fibers of the prosthetic wall. Since in this type of fibrous polyurethane prosthesis, endothelial like cells continually grew until a new lining was formed, apparently facilitated by the fibrous structure of the wall, further investigations are indicated for progression toward clinical implantation of this type of prosthesis.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Our personal experience with intra-aortic balloon pumping.

Intra-aortic counterpulsation (IABP) was used in 64 patients because of: 1. Low output syndrome after open heart surgery. 2. Medical refractory cardiogenic shock. 3. Elective, preoperative in ischemic heart disease. 4. Extending myocardial infarction. 5. Evolving impending infarction. In the first group in 78% hemodynamic stabilization was achieved but the survival percentage was 46%. In cardiogenic shock the results were closely related to the duration of shock, but nevertheless survival rate was low (3 from 13 patients treated). IABP was also applied as elective, preoperative support in high risk patients with ischemic heart disease (unstable angine and poor left ventricular function). In this group the rate of perioperative myocardial infarction was lower than in overall material.

Adult↗