Toxicity in vital fluorescence microscopy: effect of dimethylsulfoxide, rhodamine-123, and DiI-low density lipoprotein on fibroblast growth in vitro.

Fluorescence microscopy performed on living cells is a valuable technique for elucidating patterns of cell growth in vitro over artificial biomaterials such as vascular grafts, and for in vivo studies such as identification and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques. Two fluorescent dyes of particular value for vital fluorescence studies are Rhodamine-123 and 3,3'-dioctadecylindocarbocyanine-labeled low density lipoprotein (DiI-LDL). We examined the toxicity of these two dyes and of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a solvent used in Rhodamine-123 studies, on the growth of MRC5 human fetal fibroblasts in monolayer culture.

It will work: the first successful mitral valve replacement.

In 1959, a prosthetic mitral valve of flexible polyurethane with Teflon chordae tendineae was designed and fabricated. After a series of experiments in dogs carried out at the Clinic of Surgery at the National Heart Institute, on March 11, 1960, this valve was used as a total replacement of the mitral valve of a 44-year-old woman with mitral regurgitation. After an uneventful postoperative course, she was discharged from the hospital and did well thereafter, but died suddenly, presumably of an arrhythmia, 4 months after operation.

Vital fluorescent staining of human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and monocytes: assessment of surface morphology.

Vital fluorescent staining of human endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and monocytes seeded on a variety of surfaces has been carried out to develop a method for studying cell growth and interactions on viable cells. Using special fluorochrome markers and monoclonal antibodies, it was possible to differentiate different cell types as they grew on polymer surfaces similar to ones that are presently used on artificial heart valves and vascular grafts.

Fluoroscopic technique of subclavian venous puncture for permanent pacing: a safer and easier approach.

Infraclavicular subclavian puncture may be performed with fluoroscopic observation of the needle trajectory. In 92 patients so implanted between July 1985 and May 1987 uneventful venous access was achieved in 90, one was unsuccessful and one patient had subcutaneous emphysema, a complication rate of 2.2%.

Delayed sternal closure. An improved method of dealing with complications after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Intraoperative closure of the median sternotomy after cardiac operations in patients with complications, including severe postoperative bleeding, impaired cardiac function caused by myocardial edema, and cardiac dilatation, may lead to a critical and possibly fatal deterioration of hemodynamic function. In an effort to prevent this complication, we delayed mediastinal closure in 15 patients, covering the wound temporarily with a sheet of rubber latex (Esmarch bandage). An oval patch of this material was sized and sutured to the skin edges with a continuous suture.