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Biomedical subjects

M Lachat

Publications and source records attributed to M Lachat.

71 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1993

[Thoracopagus symmetricus. On the separation of Siamese twins in the 10th century A. D. by Byzantine physicians].

The byzantine author, Leon Diakonos, mentions in 974/975 A.D. a pair of "siamese twins", e.g., a thoracopagus symmetricus. He had seen them personally several times in Asia Minor when they were about 30 years old. This pair is possibly the same that was "successfully" surgically separated after the death of one of the twins in the second half of the 10th century in Constantinople. This operation is mentioned by two historiographs, Leon Grammatikos and Theodoros Daphnopates. Although the second twin survived the operation, he died three days later. In spite of its lethal outcome, the operation left a long-lasting impression on the historians of that time and was even mentioned 150 years later by Johannes Skylitzes. Furthermore, the manuscript of Skylitzes, now in the library of Madrid, contains a miniature illuminating this operation. This is likely to be the earliest written report of a separation of siamese twins illustrating the high standard of byzantine medicine of that time.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Hemodynamic effects of implantation of an intracaval gas exchanger].

Treatment of severe respiratory failure by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is complex. However, there is now an intravascular gas exchanger (IVOX) available that provides extrapulmonary gas transfer without requiring an extracorporeal blood path. The present study was performed to determine the hemodynamic effects resulting from the intracaval placement of the intravascular device. A bovine model (n = 6; bodyweight = 72 +/- 5 kg) was selected for temporary lung support with the intravascular device. The latter was placed in the caval axis under fluoroscopic control after full instrumentation of the animal for hemodynamic measurements including a pulmonary artery catheter for determination of cardiac output by thermodilution and continuous read out of mixed venous oxygen saturation. All measurements were taken after a stabilization period of 15 min. The heart rate moved from 65 +/- 8 before to 72 +/- 10 after implantation and 68 +/- 9 after onset of intravascular gas exchange (NS). Right atrial pressure was 13 +/- 3 mm Hg before, 12 +/- 3 mm Hg after implantation and 10 +/- 3 mm Hg after onset (NS) whereas femoral venous pressure moved from 14 +/- 3 mm Hg to 17 +/- 4 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and remained at 17 +/- 4 mm Hg after onset. Cardiac output was 5.3 +/- 0.7 l/min before, 5.4 +/- 0.7 l/min after implantation and 5.3 +/- 1.1 l/min after onset (NS) and mixed venous oxygen saturation dropped from 60 +/- 7% to 54 +/- 11% and moved to 57 +/- 11 after onset of the device (NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Temporary lung support using an intravascular gas exchanger.

Severe respiratory failure may be difficult to overcome by conventional mechanical ventilation. As an alternative to the very demanding lung support using various modalities of extracorporeal circulation (ECMO, ECLA, etc.) we evaluated an intravascular gas exchanger (IVOX) in a "reversible" bovine model. Several degrees of hypoventilation were studied with and without intravascular gas exchange in 5 endotracheal intubated, anaesthetized, and volume-controlled ventilated animals (body weight 73 +/- 4 kg). After systematical heparinization (300 IU/kg body weight) the animals were instrumented with EKG electrodes, thermodilution pulmonary artery catheter with continuous measurement of O2-saturation, central venous and femoral arterial catheter, etc. The intravascular gas exchanger made from siliconized microporous polypropylene hollow fibres was placed in the caval veins under radiofluoroscopic control. The following scenarios were studied without and with intravascular gas exchange (gas inlet 100% O2): Normoventilation (with 14-20 strokes/min) at F10(2) 0.50 and at F10(2) 0.21; Hypoventilation (ventilator frequency reduced to 50% and tidal volume reduced to 50% of normoventilation) at F10(2) 0.50 and at F10(2) 0.21. Hemodynamics, mixed venous O2-saturation, arterial and venous blood gases, and gas-exchanger exhaust were analyzed after stabilization over 15 minutes (mean +/- standard deviation). Blood gas analyses showed significant improvement with intravascular gas exchange during hypoventilation at F10(2) 0.21: pH moved from 7.10 +/- 0.17 to 7.19 +/- 0.15*, PaCO2 moved from 9.9 +/- 4.2 kPa to 8.7 +/- 2.8*, PaO2 moved from 6.5 +/- 1.2 kPa to 7.3 +/- 0.8* and mixed venous O2-saturation moved from 33.9 +/- 16.0% to 48.1 +/- 4.6* (* = p less than 0.05 for without versus with intravascular gas exchange).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Resorbable pericardial replacement--an experimental study].

The resorbable pericardial substitute: In modern heart surgery every patient undergoing cardiac surgery will eventually require a second operation including resternotomy. To reduce the risk of damage to the heart it has been recommended to close the pericardial sac primarily. Unfortunately there is no ideal pericardial substitute yet available. This experimental study summarizes our experience with the use of Gore-Tex Surgical Membrane and Vicryl-Collagen mesh as pericardial substitutes which have been implanted orthotopically in 12 rats. After a mean follow-up of 86 days we evaluated macroscopically the pericardial adhesions, the closure of the pericardial defect and histologically the inflammatory reaction. At explanation we found that both pericardial substitutes produce little adhesion. But in rats with Vicryl-Collagen mesh as a pericardial substitute there were only a very few inflammatory cells and total closure of the pericardial defect was in 4 out of 6 rats present. These findings suggest that Vicryl-Collagen mesh seems to be a superior pericardial substitute and also allows formation of a neopericardium.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Effect of hemodynamic conditions and prosthesis structure on endothelialization of clinical and experimental small lumen vascular prostheses].

Seeding of small-diameter vascular prostheses (ID less than or equal to 6 mm) with autologous microvascular cells (AMVC) results in a complete endothelial cell layer on the luminal surface. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the blood flow velocity (due to 4 or 6 mm ID) and the structure of inner graft surface (crimped, uncrimped) on the endothelialization. AMVC were harvested from omental adipose tissue (mean: 0.56 X 10(6) cells/g tissue) from 10 mongrel dogs (mean: 27.9 kg). During preclotting, the 4 mm uncrimped and the 6 mm crimped double velour Dacron prostheses (Meadox Medicals, Inc.) were seeded with 1.0 X 10(6) cells/cm2 graft surface. Grafts were implanted into the carotid arteries (N = 5 in each group). The animals received antiplatelet therapy. After five weeks, all seeded prostheses were patent. The thrombus free surface (TFS) of seeded prostheses was 99.9% (4 mm) and 90.5% (6 mm). Scanning electron microscopy revealed an athrombogenic layer of endothelial cells on a smooth surface. -It is concluded that in canine experiments endothelialization of 4 and 6 mm grafts after seeding with AMVC is not affected by blood flow velocity or graft structure.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Performance characteristics of centrifugal pumps with heparin surface coating.

Heparin surface coating is one approach to improve the biocompatibility of existing blood pumps used for mechanical circulatory support. Experimental evaluation of centrifugal pumps with heparin surface coating was performed during open chest left heart bypass (3.7 L/min over 6 hours) in two series of bovine experiments. Eight calves (74 +/- 4 kg) were perfused either by heparin surface coated equipment without systemic heparinization or uncoated equipment with systemic heparinization (300 I. U,/kg bodyweight; ACT greater than 400 s). A standard battery of analyses was performed before and at regular intervals after onset of perfusion. At the end of perfusion all pump-heads were gently rinsed. There were no macroscopic clots for both groups whereas macroscopic clots were observed in uncoated tubings introduced for control in the group perfused without systemic heparinization. The hemodynamics were significantly better in the group perfused without systemic heparinization and maintained functional coagulation system. Clinical application of heparin surface coated equipment during resection of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms is showing promising results in 12 patients.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Bile duct reconstruction in liver transplantation].

Complications of the biliary anatomosis are common after liver transplantation. Even with improved techniques the frequency of biliary complications is approximately ten percent. Main reason for this high morbidity rate is the unfavourable blood supply to the biliary tract. A variant of reconstructions has been described and recommended. The end-to-end-choledochocholedochostomy over a T tube turned out to be the preferred technique in most centers. In cases of different diameter of donor and recipient biliary tract, the side-to-side-choledochocholedochostomy provides a relayable alternative method. When the length of the bile duct doesn't allow direct anastomosis, the gallbladder-conduit may help to overcome this problem. The choledochojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y loop has become a frequently used biliary anastomosis, especially when the recipients bile duct is absent or otherwise destroyed. - Our own experience with fourteen liver transplantations shows biliary tract complications in three cases: a leakage and a stenosis of the anastomosis after choledochocholedochostomy were successfully transformed to a hepaticojejunostomy. In the third case, intrahepatic biliary stenosis were treated by percutaneous transhepatic dilatation.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Modified technique for heterotopic rat heart transplantation under cardioplegic arrest.

The development of microsurgical techniques offers a valuable opportunity to use small animals for experimental studies of vascularized organ transplants. Availability of inbred strains, natural resistance to infection, and economy make the rat an ideal animal model to investigate the effects of heart transplantation. The recent high interest and substantial laboratory activity with regard to posttransplantory immunological tissue reactions and apoptotic tissue processes led us to optimize transplantation technique by improving myocardial protection during ischemia and thereby minimizing adverse effects of the transplantation procedure itself. Thus the present report details the technique of heterotopic heart transplantation in rats using cardioplegic arrest.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Optimized veno-venous bypass with the affinity pump.

Veno-venous bypass (VVBP) is increasingly used to avoid acute venous hypertension and low cardiac output after clamping the vena cava. Air embolism upon accidental decannulation of the inflow line and endothelial damage due to suction of the blood collecting cannula to the vessel wall are known complications specific to the currently used roller and centrifugal pumps, because they generate negative pressure at the inflow site of the pump. The Affinity pump has a unique chamber design with an occlusive segment, that collapses in low filling states preventing negative pressure at the inflow site of the pump chamber. This device was tested for VVBP in three pigs (each weighing 52.3 +/- 5.1 kg) with hepatic vascular exclusion. Blood was pumped from the femoral and portal veins to the external jugular vein and perfusion was maintained for 6 hours. The hemodynamic state of the animals was assessed by recording heart rate; systolic, mean arterial, and diastolic pressure; as well as central venous pressure. Mean pump flow during the experiment was 1,629.3 +/- 372.2 ml/min. After clamping, the inflow line of the pump mean arterial pressure significantly decreased (from 69.5 +/- 4.4 to 43.1 +/- 3.5 mm Hg), and mean pressure in the femoral vein increased significantly (from 16.1 +/- 2.6 to 26.8 +/- 5.9 mm Hg), whereas the mean pressure in the internal jugular vein did not significantly change (from 6.0 +/- 1.7 to 5.0 +/- 2.1 mm Hg). There was no suction by the blood collecting cannula on the vessel wall, and neither bubbles nor air emboli were detected and no operator intervention was needed. In conclusion, the Affinity pump eliminates device related complications due to negative pressure generated at the inlet, and guarantees stable hemodynamics. Its application is simple and safe and minimal operator intervention is needed, making the Affinity pump particularly suited for veno-venous bypass.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Surgical management of infected permanent transvenous pacemaker systems: ten year experience.

BACKGROUND: Between January 1985 and June 1995, more than 1800 consecutive patients underwent implantation of a new permanent cardiac pacemaker at our institution. Thirty-six patients (0.02%) had 45 reinterventions for infected pacemaker systems. METHODS: in group A, 24 of 27 patients received simultaneous implantation of a new pacemaker. One had reimplantation of the same pacemaker in the same pocket, and two did not require reimplantation. The leads were retained in 19 (70%) of the patients. In group B, nine patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass or "pursestring" surgery for removal of an infected pacemaker; a new epicardial pacemaker system was simultaneously implanted in seven patients. RESULTS: Identification of an infectious agent failed in 17 patients (47%), and Staphylococci were found in 15 patients (42%). The time from pacemaker implantation to onset of infection ranged from 1 month to 11 years (mean 31 months; median 19 months) and the time from onset of infection to surgical treatment from 1 month to 7 years (mean 7 months; median 2 months). The mean follow-up time is 74 months (range, 1 month to 10 years; median 5 years). There were 9 reoperations in 3 patients (16%) of group A for recurrent infection of their retained leads ultimately necessitating the use of open cardiac surgery. There was no early death; six patients died late due to unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Complete removal of all pacemaker leads is recommended; open heart surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass is indicated in selected cases and is effective and safe.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Late neutrophil infiltration of canine endothelial cell seeded Dacron grafts.

Neutrophil infiltration is known to affect the endothelial monolayer of seeded vascular grafts. The aim of this study was to develop an in vitro system allowing the monitoring of neutrophil (PMN) adherence after graft implantation. Dacron prostheses were seeded with autologous canine microvascular cells from omental adipose tissue and implanted for 35 days. In vitro, mature monolayers of canine homologous venous endothelial cells (CHVENC) were exposed to heparinized whole blood samples taken at days one and four postoperatively, followed by weekly tests. PMNs adherent to the CHVENC were counted per culture area. Results showed the feasibility of PMN monitoring, and demonstrated a late PMN adhesion, reaching its maximum about 20 days after implantation and decreasing to normal values after five weeks. It is concluded that in vitro tests can be used for noninvasive studies of host plasma factors and leukocyte activation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Primary lymphedema and pregnancy].

From a retrospective analysis of 15 female patients, it appears that primary lymphedema, reversible at first, tends to become irreversible during successive pregnancies. A remission takes place following the first and second pregnancy, and during a third pregnancy, an irreversible stage is reached.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The infected aorta.

BACKGROUND: Despite the improvements achieved in antibiotic therapy, severe aortic infection resulting in mycotic aneurysms is still a highly lethal disease and surgical management remains a challenging task. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with severe aortic infections were analyzed and separated in four groups: (1) Infections of the aortic root Ventriculo-aortic disconnection due to deep aortic infection (6 patients). Two patients were operated using homo-composit grafts. Of the 6 patients total, one died early and two died late during a mean follow-up of 6 years. The two patients with homografts are still alive. (2) Infections of the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. In situ repair for mycotic aneurysmal lesions of the ascending aorta was performed in 6 patients using synthetic graft material in 4/6, biological material in 1/6 and direct suture in 1/6. Two patients had to be reoperated; one of them died early. There was no recurrent infection during a mean follow-up of 6 years. (3) Infections of the descending thoracic and thoraco-abdominal aorta in-situ repair for mycotic aneurysmal lesions of the descending and thoraco-abdominal aorta was performed in 12 patients using homografts in five. Two patients died early and two other patients died late during a mean follow-up of 6 years. (4) Infections of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. In this series of 19 patients with mycotic infrarenal aortic aneurysms, in situ reconstruction was performed in 12 (5/12 with homografts) and extra-anatomic reconstruction (axillo-femoral bypass) was performed in 7. Hospital mortality was 5/19 patients and another 5/19 patients died during a mean follow-up of 6 years. One of the early deaths was due to aortic stump rupture. Two patients with axillo-femoral reconstructions were later converted to descending-thoracic-aortic-bifemoral bypasses. Five thromboses of axillo-femoral bypasses were observed in three of the seven patients with extra-anatomic repairs. RESULTS: Infections of the aortic root, the ascending aorta and the aortic arch are approached with total cardio-pulmonary bypass, using cardioplegic myocardial protection and deep hypothermia with circulatory arrest if necessary. Proximal unloading and distal support using partial cardiopulmonary bypass is preferred for repair of infected descending and thoracoabdominal aortic lesions, whereas no such adjuncts are required for repair of infected infrarenal aortic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomical location of the aortic infection and the availability of homologous graft material are the main factors determining the surgical strategy.

Aneurysm, Infected↗