Mechanical determinants of graft kinking.

Vascular grafts can be twisted inadvertently during implantation. If twisted excessively, they may kink and obstruct flow. In this study, in vitro experiments were performed to identify the mechanical factors that determine graft kinking.

Sustained expression of high levels of human factor IX from human cells implanted within an immunoisolation device into athymic rodents.

Immunoisolation of allogeneic cells within a membrane-bound device is a unique approach for gene therapy. We employed an immunoisolation device that protects allograft, but not xenograft, cells from destruction, to implant a human fibroblast line (MSU 1.2) in athymic rodents.

Selective use of the intensive care unit following carotid endarterectomy.

The purpose of this study was to develop criteria by which selected patients can be observed solely on the ward following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). One hundred consecutive CEA patients were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative medical conditions were identified, and the postanesthesia recovery room course was reviewed in an attempt to predict the need for intensive care unit (ICU) level care.