Effect of implantation site on outcome of tissue-engineered vascular grafts.

Objective: Vascular prostheses for small caliber bypass grafts in cardiac and vascular diseases or for access surgery are still missing. Poly (Ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) has been previously investigated by our group and showed good biocompatibility and mechanical properties in vitro and rapid endothelialisation, cellular infiltration and vascularisation in vivo yielding optimal patency in the abdominal aortic position. The aim of the present study is to evaluate our PCL graft in the carotid position and to compare its outcome to the grafts implanted in the abdominal aortic position.

A novel high vacuum chest drainage system - a pilot study.

Aim: To assess the safety and feasibility of use of a novel high vacuum chest drainage system (HVCDS) and its influence on the cardiovascular system compared to a conventional system (CCDS).

Material And Methods: Five anesthetized pigs underwent a median sternotomy. Three drains were placed in retrocardiac, retrosternal and left pleural positions.

Biodegradable PLGA microparticles for sustained release of a new GnRH antagonist: part II. In vivo performance.

Poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles (MP) containing a highly potent peptidic gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (degarelix) of interest in the prostate cancer indication were screened for biological performance. Efficacy was tested in a castrated male rat model at 3 doses (0.4, 1.