Histologic and electrophysiological study of nerve regeneration using a polyglycolic acid-collagen nerve conduit filled with collagen sponge in canine model.

Objectives: To determine the rate of achieving electrophysiologically proved functional recovery by autonomic nerve regeneration, with the aid of an artificial nerve conduit.

Methods: A polyglycolic acid (PGA) collagen nerve conduit filled with collagen sponge was interposed in a 10-mm-long gap of the right hypogastric nerve (HGN) in 16 dogs. Histologic evaluation of nerve regeneration and electrophysiological analysis at 2 weeks and 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 months (n = 2, each) after surgery was performed, measuring the responses for the spermatic ducts (SD), bladder neck (BN), and prostate contraction, by stimulating the right lumbar splanchnic nerves (LSNs) from L2 to L4, after transection of the left HGN to eliminate substitutive pathways.

In situ tissue engineering for tracheal reconstruction using a luminar remodeling type of artificial trachea.

Background: After successful trials of tracheal reconstruction using mesh-type prostheses in canine models, the technique has been applied clinically to human patients since 2002. To enhance tissue regeneration, we have applied a new tissue engineering approach to this mesh-type prosthesis.

Methods: The prosthesis consists of a polypropylene mesh tube reinforced with a polypropylene spiral and atelocollagen layer.

Regeneration of central nervous tissue using a collagen scaffold and adipose-derived stromal cells.

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) include stem cells, which have the potential to differentiate into a variety of cell lineages. The regeneration of central nerves was examined using ASCs and a collagen scaffold. A cerebral cortex defect (3 x 4 x 3 mm(3)) was created in the left frontal lobe of 16 male rats.

Experimental repair of phrenic nerve using a polyglycolic acid and collagen tube.

Objective: The feasibility of a nerve guide tube for regeneration of the phrenic nerve with the aim of restoring diaphragmatic function was evaluated in a canine model.

Methods: The nerve tube, made of woven polyglycolic acid mesh, had a diameter of 3 mm and was filled with collagen sponge. This polyglycolic acid-collagen tube was implanted into a 10-mm gap created by transection of the right phrenic nerve in 9 beagle dogs.

Rapid occurrence of pulmonary aspergillosis after pulmonary wedge resection.

A 61-year-old man with diabetes mellitus undertook wedge resection of pulmonary tuberculoma in the left upper lobe. He was discharged uneventfully. However, he became febrile with productive cough five weeks after the discharge, and was readmitted.

Experimental study on the regeneration of peripheral nerve gaps through a polyglycolic acid-collagen (PGA-collagen) tube.

We have developed a bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) tube filled with collagen sponge (PGA-collagen tube) as a nerve connective guide, and compared its effectiveness with that of autograft in terms of nerve regeneration across a gap. The PGA-collagen tube was implanted into 24 beagle dogs across a 15-mm gap in the left peroneal nerve. The right peroneal nerve was reconstructed with the autograft harvested from the left side, as a control.

Right ventricular infarction during a lung lobectomy in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: report of a case.

A 63-year-old man with a low forced expiratory volume in 1 s underwent a wedge resection for peripheral lung cancer; however, it relapsed in the residual lobe. We decided that a lobectomy was feasible after further examinations focusing on gas exchange. During the lobectomy right ventricle myocardial infarction occurred, possibly due to coronary spasm, and it was successfully treated with intra-aortic balloon pumping.