Transrectal hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy in a porcine model.

Objective: To examine feasibility of transrectal hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) nephrectomy in the porcine model. NOTES uses ports of entry to the peritoneal cavity instead of abdominal wall incisions, thereby eliminating visible scar and also potentially reducing postoperative pain.

Methods: After obtaining Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approval, 3 female pigs (45 kg) underwent transrectal hybrid NOTES nephrectomy (2 right, 1 left).

Myocardial functional recovery after fibroblast growth factor 2 gene therapy as assessed by echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: Although it has been shown that gene therapy is capable of inducing neovascularization in ischemic myocardium, the functional significance of such therapeutic angiogenesis remains less certain. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an experimental link could be made between the ability of a novel fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) gene formulation to promote neovascularization, and its ability to restore myocardial function.

Methods: Fibroblast growth factor 2 gene was delivered by means of an adenovirus vector formulated in a collagen-based matrix to provide localized and sustained gene activity.

A physiologic flow chamber model to define intravascular ultrasound enhancement of fibrin using echogenic liposomes.

Rationale And Objectives: Echogenic immunoliposomes (ELIP) for enhancement of vasoactive and pathologic components of endothelium and atherosclerosis have been developed. A physiologic flow chamber model has been developed to define intravascular ultrasound enhancement of a fibrin interface.

Methods: A IgG ELIP was used, which nonspecifically associated with fibrin, to demonstrate the suitability of this model.