Endoscopic mechanical spinal hemiepiphysiodesis modifies spine growth.

Study Design: An in vivo porcine model of progressive scoliosis as an inverse analog of a proposed method of early surgical treatment.

Objectives: To test the hypothesis that scoliotic curvatures may be repeatedly created using anatomically based vertebral staples and thoracoscopic surgical procedures.

Summary Of Background Data: Staple hemiepiphysiodesis is an established method for treating knee deformities.

Long-term effects of polymer-based, slow-release, sirolimus-eluting stents in a porcine coronary model.

Background: Stent-based delivery of sirolimus (SRL) has shown reduction in neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chronic vascular response and the expression of cell cycle regulators after SRL-eluting stent implantation in a porcine coronary model.

Methods: Forty-nine pigs underwent placement of 109 oversized stents (control, n=54, SRL (140 microg/cm(2)), n=55) in the coronary arteries with histologic analysis and Western blot (PCNA, p27(kip1), CD45, MCP-1, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-beta) at 3, 30, 90 or 180 days.

Endometriosis model development swine.

Despite the prevalence of endometriosis in the human population, there is a shortage of animal models for studying it. The authors describe the development of a swine model of endometriosis that allows researchers to evaluate laparoscopic techniques and instruments for diagnosing and treating the condition.

Laparoscopic ovariohysterectomy and hysterectomy on African lions (Panthera leo) using the ultracision harmonic scalpel.

Two laparoscopic ovariohysterectomies and three laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed on normal, healthy, adult African lions (Panthera leo) in dorsal recumbency, with the body tilted at 25 degrees with the head down. One 12-mm trocar and two 5-mm trocars were used to access the uterus and ovaries, and the UltraCision (Harmonic Scalpels clamp or coagulation shears was used to coagulate and divide the ovarian- and the uterine-supporting structures and the uterine body. The animals recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and were released to their exhibits within 5-10 days of surgery.

Endoscopic pelvic osteotomy for the treatment of hip dysplasia.

Adolescent and adult hip dysplasia can be surgically treated by rotating the acetabulum into a better weight-supporting position; however, open pelvic osteotomies are among the most invasive of all pediatric orthopaedic procedures. Endoscopic pelvic osteotomy offers the theoretical advantages of magnified visualization of the bone cuts, minimized surgical dissection, and rapid postoperative recovery. The technique of endoscopically assisted triple innominate osteotomy requires the combination of endoscopic skills and facility with more standard surgical approaches.