Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibits mitogen-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Introduction: Delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein or gene transfer has been shown to accelerate re-endothelialization and attenuate neointimal hyperplasia in various arterial injury models, including balloon injury, stent implantation, and vein grafts. In addition to stimulating re-endothelialization, we hypothesize that VEGF has further vascular protective functions to prevent neointimal hyperplasia by directly inhibiting mitogen-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.

Materials And Methods: Human aortic VSMCs were seeded and serum starved for 24 h.

PhotoPoint photodynamic therapy with local drug delivery eliminates vessel wall cells in arteriovenous graft models.

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of PhotoPoint photodynamic therapy (PDT) with local drug delivery, optimize dosimetry in a rabbit jugular vein model, and investigate its ability to deplete potential neointimal precursor cells in the vessel wall in a canine arteriovenous graft (AVG) model.

Methods And Materials: Photosensitizer MV2101 was administered locally in rabbit veins, incubated for 0-40 min and activated with external laser light. In canine veins, MV2101 was incubated for 30 min and activated by light.

The evolution of the axillofemoral bypass over two decades.

To determine if the indications and numbers of the axillofemoral bypass have changed, a retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing axillofemoral bypass over the past two decades. Group A (1980-89) and group B (1990-99) were compared using demographics, comorbid illness, perioperative outcomes, and indications for operation. There were 33 extraanatomic bypasses performed in group A and 24 extraanatomic bypasses in group B.