Experimental study on a large animal model of a new thermoablation technique.

Background: A novel technique of thermoablation, using a microtube to deliver pulses of hot water vapour, was tested on a large animal model in order to evaluate its efficacy and potential adverse effects.

Materials And Methods: The medical device consisted of a microtube extension connected to a hydropneumatic pump. Pulses of pure water were injected though the microtube where they were heated and delivered as vapour into the target zone.

A new method of thermoablation with hot water vapour for localized tumours.

Background: A new method of thermoablation with hot water vapour based on a new type of microtube was developed. This approach allows tumours, with volume and anatomical positions not accessible to other techniques (cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, laser ablation) to be treated.

Materials And Methods: The method was tested on a human colon carcinoma grafted subcutaneously in Swiss nude mice and the experiment monitored under magnetic resonance imaging.

Noninvasive measurement of absolute renal perfusion by contrast medium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: The aim of this study was to validate the quantification of absolute renal perfusion (RP) determined by dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and contrast media using an experimental model in the rabbit and a transit-timed ultrasound flow probe around the left renal artery as comparison.

Material And Methods: An MR-compatible ultrasonic time-of-flight flow-probe was placed around the left renal artery in 9 New Zealand white rabbits. Absolute RP in basal state, after mechanical renal artery stenosis, intravenous dopamine, angiotensin II, or colloid infusion was measured using dynamic MRI and intravenous injection of gadoteridol.

Intra-portal injection of 400- microm microcapsules in a large-animal model.

To date, encapsulated grafts have usually been implanted in the peritoneal cavity. This site is, however, not ideal, mainly because of its low blood supply. We have investigated the feasibility of intra-portal injection of (400 microm) microcapsules in the pig.