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Biomedical subjects

R Guidoin

Publications and source records attributed to R Guidoin.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

Histopathological and immunological investigations of synthetic fibres and structures used in three prosthetic anterior cruciate ligaments: in vivo study in the rat.

Three types of prosthetic anterior cruciate ligaments were investigated by enzymatic and histological analysis of the tissue surrounding each implant and immunologically by a cytofluorometric analysis of T-cell populations in the peripheral blood of rats. Two of the prostheses had a braided construction, one made from polyester and the other from high performance polyethylene fibres. The third type also contained high performance polyethylene fibres, but had been manufactured in a knitted construction (Raschel high performance polyethylene). Five specimens from each prosthesis were implanted intraperitoneally in rats by a trocar for different periods of time up to 4 wk. A control group of rats underwent the surgery, but not the implant. No modification in peripheral T-cell populations was induced by the presence of any implant. Whilst the levels of acid phosphatase and esterase activity appeared to have increased slightly following implantation of any of the prostheses, such increases were not highly significant. Histologically, all three materials induced an intense acute inflammatory reaction at 3 d which gave way to a typical chronic response after 4 wk. The only major difference between the prostheses was that after 4 wk the polyester fibres exhibited less inflammation, and the surrounding tissue was more mature, more vascularized and more densely infiltrated with collagen than with the two high performance polyethylene implants. In conclusion, all three devices provided satisfactory biocompatibility in terms of cellular and healing response.

Acid Phosphatase↗

Effects of thrombocytopenia and shear rate on neutrophil and platelet deposition on endothelial and medial arterial surfaces.

Both platelets and neutrophils interact with the injured vessel wall and may contribute to thrombosis and vasospasm. The effect of platelets on neutrophil interactions with the vessel wall was studied in normal and thrombocytopenic pigs. 51Cr-labeled platelet deposition (x10(6)) and 111In-labeled neutrophil deposition (x10(3)) on undamaged aortic strips with intact endothelium or damaged aortic strips with exposed media were quantified in superfusion flow chambers before and after platelet depletion by specific rabbit antisera. Arterial blood was drawn at a constant flow rate through the superfusion chambers at 37 degrees C. Under basal conditions, platelets did not adhere to the uninjured vessel wall with intact endothelium, whereas neutrophil interaction with the endothelium was low and constant at shear rates of 427, 853, and 1280 s-1 and did not change significantly after thrombocytopenia. On exposed aortic media simulating deep arterial injury, platelet deposition increased over these shear rates from 14.0 +/- 3.4 to 37.5 +/- 12.0 (P < .05) to 68.0 +/- 9.0, respectively (P < .05). Similarly, neutrophil deposition on the media increased from 48.7 +/- 8.7 to 73.7 +/- 14.3 (P < .05) to 118.3 +/- 22.9, respectively (P < .05). Platelet deposition on the media did not occur after thrombocytopenia (80% reduction in platelet count); however, neutrophil deposition persisted, but was less intense and was now independent of shear rates (23.3 +/- 5.2 at 427 s-1, 18.7 +/- 3.2 at 853 s-1, and 24.1 +/- 3.9 at 1280 s-1; not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Vascular access for hemodialysis: pathologic features of surgically excised ePTFE grafts.

We analyzed 52 surgically excised ePTFE grafts used as secondary vascular access in chronic hemodialysis patients, structurally and histopathologically. Pseudoaneurysm formation at the site of repeated venipuncture was the main cause of surgical removal later than two years after implantation. Repeated needle punctures, twice per treatment, two or three times a week may result in a perigraft fibrous tissue capsule directly above areas where the graft was punctured. The delicate microporous structure of the graft wall was shown to be disrupted by needle punctures. The needle puncture sites were filled by surrounding connective tissue, and in one case, capillary formation was observed within the puncture sites. Examination by both light and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated identical patterns of pseudointima on the luminal surface. A thin pannus of endothelium-like cells, confined to the vicinity of the anastomoses, was noted in only four cases. On other areas of the luminal surface without endothelium, a red coagulum incorporating blood cells and fibrin was observed. Histological evidence of acute infection was absent in 61% of the cases and only 27% were considered to be clinically infected. Careful needle puncture technique, systematic rotation of puncture sites, and the use of rigorous aseptic technique are essential in preserving the long-term structural integrity of the vascular access, despite the good mechanical properties and reasonable good resistance to infection of ePTFE grafts.

Adult↗

Biocompatibility of the Vascugraft: evaluation of a novel polyester urethane vascular substitute by an organotypic culture technique.

To evaluate the biocompatibility of chemically and structurally modified polyurethane elastomers for use as blood vessel replacements, small squares of vascular prostheses were cultured in direct contact with endothelium from chick embryo aorta using an organotypic culture assay. The polyurethane materials tested were: Vascugraft (fibrous, open pore structure); commercial Hydrophilic Mitrathane prosthesis (high porosity, smooth surface, non-permeable, closed pore structure); experimental hydrophobic Mitrathane (less porosity but a fibrous, open pore structure, similar to Vascugraft). The commercial expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses Impra and reinforced GORETEX were included as controls on account of their extensive clinical application in the femoropopliteal position. After 5 d incubation at 37 degrees C biocompatibility was assessed in terms of average area of migrating cells on the biomaterial, total number of cells surrounding the explant and level of adhesion between the cells and the biomaterial. The Vascugraft prosthesis promoted the growth of a continuous monolayer of cells on its surface. This behaviour was equivalent to Impra and reinforced GORETEX materials in terms of cell density and area of cell migration but appeared to be superior for cell adhesion. From a second series of cell culture tests, in which the extractables leached from the biomaterials were added to the nutrient medium, it was concluded that none of the biomaterials tested released cytotoxic contaminants.

Animals↗

Cellular reaction to the Vascugraft polyesterurethane vascular prosthesis: in vivo studies in rats.

The biocompatibility of Vascugraft, a polyesterurethane vascular prosthesis manufactured by Braun-Melsungen AG, was assessed by immunofluorescence and histological studies. Discs, 1 cm2, of Vascugraft prosthesis were implanted into the peritoneal cavity of rats. Results were compared with Impra, GORE-TEX and Mitrathane prostheses and a control group. Animals were killed at 1, 2, 6, 9 and 12 wk. Total T cells, T helper cells, T suppressor cells and activated T lymphocytes expressing Interleukin-2 receptors were quantified by a cytofluorometric technique in the peripheral blood of rats. For each period of implantation, all vascular prostheses showed no significant change in the percentage of total T cells, T subsets and T cells expressing Interleukin-2 receptors when compared to the control group. Histological examination of the tissue reaction surrounding the Vascugraft revealed a mild inflammatory reaction, similar to the one observed with both polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. However, the rate and the degree of encapsulation were different between grafts. The Vascugraft prosthesis was well encapsulated 2 wk after implantation, whereas inhibition of fibroblastic proliferation into the graft wall and surrounding both polytetrafluoroethylene grafts was observed for each period of implantation. The Mitrathane prosthesis exhibited a moderate inflammatory response, characterized by a high level of activation on fibroblasts compared to other grafts.

Animals↗

Preliminary clinical experience with polyurethane vascular prostheses in femoro-popliteal reconstruction.

Following promising results in animals, implantation of polyurethane vascular prostheses for femoral reconstruction was performed in 15 patients over a 10-month period. This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the patency, limb salvage and complications associated with this type of small diameter conduit for arterial occlusive diseases. The indications for surgery included acute and chronic ischaemia, non-healing ulceration or gangrene. There were five early occlusions, which resulted in a 1-month primary patency rate of 66% and a secondary patency rate of 80%. The mean limb salvage rate at 1 month was 80% and is 66% at the present time. Infection occurred in one patient following multiple attempts at graft thrombectomy. There were no statistically significant differences in patency rates between proximal and distal popliteal graft anastomoses. Two critical phases of healing were identified where the graft was prone to flow deterioration; at 4-6 weeks and at 4-6 months. It is concluded that although this type of graft has many interesting features, e.g. the presence of endothelial cells under poor haemodynamic conditions, excellent graft-host healing and good resistance at the suture site, further investigations on protein absorption and complement activation as well as intensive structural testing are required before further recommendations can be made.

Aged↗

The polyurethane foam covering the Même breast prosthesis: a biomedical breakthrough or a biomaterial tar baby?

Because controversy continues to surround the implantation of the polyurethane foam-covered Même breast prosthesis, in vitro experiments were conducted to determine: (1) whether the polyurethane foam contains extractable toluene diamine isomers (TDAs), and (2) whether the polyurethane foam releases TDAs on exposure to mild hydrolytic conditions. Results confirmed the presence of extractable TDAs and other impurities in the foam covering the unused Même prosthesis, and that the concentrations of these impurities could be significantly reduced by washing the foam in a regular detergent. This washing step was omitted from the manufacturer's production process. Furthermore, on exposure to mild alkalis, the foam exhibited significant degradation, rapid fragmentation, loss of mechanical strength and physical integrity, as well as the release of additional TDAs. Because of the potential long-term risks associated with the release of TDAs in vivo, continued clinical use of the Même prosthesis containing this particular type of foam appears questionable.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Engineering design of vascular prostheses.

The replacement and bypass of arteries of diameter greater than 6 mm with textile vascular prostheses has proved very successful since they were first introduced forty years ago. Although manufacturers continue to improve their products and make them of consistent quality for increased safety and performance and to facilitate their use by surgeons, most of the research work in this area is concerned with the development of small-diameter prostheses. Current expanded PTFE and textile prostheses do not perform satisfactorily when their diameters are reduced to less than 6 mm. For the small-diameter prostheses it will be necessary to develop less thrombogenic materials and to design the structure of the prostheses more closely to match the mechanical properties of the natural arteries. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the design requirements and to review the development of large- and small-diameter vascular prostheses.

Biocompatible Materials↗

A nonlinear analysis of pulsatile blood flow applied to investigate shear stress in arterial prostheses.

Although the main function of an arterial graft is to restore distal blood flow, there is evidence that certain local parameters of blood flow, particularly wall shear stresses, are important in determining the graft's long-term patency. Wall shear stresses were associated with intimal hyperplasia, intimal proliferation, and endothelial cell development, morphology, and attachment. Here we present a detailed method which permits the investigation of the wall shear stress acting on arteries and prostheses in dogs. The theory takes into account the nonlinear terms of the Navier-Stokes equations as well as the nonlinear behaviour and large deformation of the arterial wall. It is based on the numerical resolution of the nonlinear equations by the Crank-Nicolson method which was selected for its unconditional stability. Through the locally measured values of the pressure, pressure gradient, radius and flow rate, the velocity distribution and wall shear stress at a given location along the artery or the prosthesis, can be determined. Complete results on the same dog are presented for the distal aorta and for the middle of a chemically processed prosthesis, implanted as substitute in the thoracic aorta.

Animals↗

A new bioactive molecule for improving vascular graft patency: exploratory trials in dogs.

Myxalin is a new bioactive molecule that we have isolated from the culture medium of Myxococcus xanthus, a non-pathogenic Gram negative bacterium. This glycopeptide possesses an antithrombotic effect in vivo and has been shown to promote human endothelial cell growth in vitro. With the object of exploring its ability to improve vascular graft healing and patency, myxalin was immobilized on 6 mm diameter knitted polyester prostheses using gelatin as a carrier, and the prosthesis was then implanted as an infrarenal abdominal arterial substitute in dogs for a period of 2 weeks. Two additional series of implantations were conducted for control purposes: one with gelatin-coated prostheses without myxalin, the other following normal preclotting of the polyester grafts. In order to select adequate sterilization conditions which can preserve the biological activity of myxalin, the prostheses were sterilized according to 3 different sterilization processes (gamma radiation and ethylene oxide either at 63 degrees C or 37 degrees C). At the sacrifice, all grafts were patent. The myxalin treated prostheses exhibited improved blood compatibility in terms of fewer thrombotic deposits and significant inhibition of platelet and fibrinogen uptake on their luminal surfaces. In addition, the development of a thin collagenous internal capsule with endothelial cells secreting high levels of prostacyclin was observed at both anastomoses of the myxalin-treated grafts sterilized by gamma radiation.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Carotid endarterectomy plaques: correlations of clinical and anatomic findings.

To establish possible relationships between the structure of carotid plaque and neurologic symptoms, 187 consecutive endarterectomy specimens were studied prospectively. Each specimen was examined for gross and histopathological features. Intraplaque hemorrhage, although found infrequently, was closely correlated with the presence of symptoms. Plaque ulcerations were encountered more often when lesions were symptomatic. Calcifications were more frequently associated with asymptomatic lesions. Consistency of plaque was related to its morphological features (stenosis or ulceration) and symptoms. Soft plaques with predominant atheromatous grumous material and hemorrhage were associated more often with tightly stenotic, ulcerated, and symptomatic lesions. Consistency of atherosclerotic carotid plaques should be assessed and considered as an important element in the therapeutic decision.

Aged↗

Soft filamentous woven polyester arterial prosthesis from China.

Woven polyester arterial prostheses have traditionally been known for their tight construction and smooth surface which has limited their healing capacity and resulted in poor attachment of their internal and external capsules. A new woven prototype has recently been developed in the Peoples' Republic of China. Among its unique features are its high physical porosity, softness and flexibility. This study undertook a series of in vitro tests to characterize its structure and physical properties in comparison with four commercial polyester grafts of North American origin. In addition, an animal trial was completed in which the new prototype was implanted as an infrarenal aortic substitute in 20 dogs for periods ranging from 4 h to 12 month. The in vitro tests confirmed a unique lightweight, highly porous, satin weave construction. Because of its high water permeability, preclotting was necessary before implantation. Once preclotted and installed, no significant blood loss was observed, and 19 of the 20 grafts remained patent at the sacrifice. Rapid full-width healing was achieved with tightly bound capsules, and more extensive tissue ingrowth was observed. Further work is needed to evaluate its long-term durability as an arterial substitute.

Animals↗

A pathological study of arterial prostheses surgically excised after overt clinical infection.

Infection caused regarding vascular grafts in vascular surgery still remains a major problem. To reduce this problem and the complications which follow, the surgeon must be able to apply the best surgical management and also be confident with the vascular substitute used. There are two important factors to be considered: the biomaterial must have low propensity to infection and good stability if and when infected. In an attempt to verify this problem, 93 vascular grafts surgically excised for overt infection were examined. Techniques used for examinations were gross morphology, histopathology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation. There were 23 human umbilical vein (HUV) grafts, 51 Dacron grafts and 19 expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Histopathological signs of infection were absent in 57% of the ePTFE and Dacron grafts and in 17.4% of the HUV grafts. The latter were more heavily histologically infected and in some cases the walls were destructed. Histopathological signs of infection were seen on all the prosthetic walls in 36% of all the specimens and were mainly on the external portion of the grafts for the remaining prostheses. Bacteria were seen in respectively 21.7, 15.7 and 20% of the HUV, Dacron and ePTFE grafts with the Gram stain and in 86.9, 84.3 and 94.7% with SEM. The implantation period was shorter for the bioprostheses compared to that of the synthetic grafts because of the site and the indication of implantation. The stability of the bioprostheses was lower compared to that of the synthetic grafts when infected, leading to a breakdown of the wall along the length of the graft. The infection was found on the external capsule of the grafts rather than on the luminal surface.

Arteries↗

Species differences in the infectability of vascular grafts.

The susceptibility of different species to bacteremia may influence the results of studies on vascular graft infection. The present study compares prosthetic graft infection in canine and porcine models. Thirty-four mongrel dogs and 38 Yorkshire pigs underwent replacement of the infrarenal aorta with a 3-cm segment of a woven Dacron prosthesis. At the time of closure, each animal received an intravenous inoculum of 10(2) to 10(8) Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Graft cultures at 1 week produced a predictable infection rate in dogs, while pigs developed only random infections (dogs: 23/34; pigs: 7/38; p = .0001). The median infective dose (ID50) in dogs was 10(2.9) but pigs did not develop enough infections to determine this value. Electron microscopy revealed a smooth fibrin surface in grafts explanted from pigs, while grafts from dogs demonstrated bacteria enmeshed in an irregular fibrinous lining. Prosthetic vascular grafts in dogs are more susceptible to hematogenous infection than those in pigs. Because hematogenous infection in humans is a rare event, the swine model may be a more appropriate representation of the clinical situation.

Animals↗

Etiology of prosthetic anastomotic false aneurysms: pathologic and structural evaluation in 26 cases.

To determine the etiology of anastomotic false aneurysms (AFAs), 26 textile graft specimens, removed because of AFA, were studied morphologically, histologically and by scanning electron microscopy. No cases of suture-related failures leading to AFA were found. Nine cases of frayed grafts were documented but were not the cause of AFA formation. In three cases, chemical degradation of the fibres, which may have been secondary to lipid infiltration, may have contributed to AFA formation. There were no cases of overt clinical infection, but the presence of bacteria was documented by scanning electron microscopy in 20 cases. The role of bacteria is not well defined, but they may be a factor in host arterial-wall degeneration as a cause for AFA formation.

Adult↗

Human umbilical vein grafts as infrainguinal bypasses: long-term clinical follow-up and pathological investigation of explanted grafts.

This retrospective study examines 105 consecutive infrainguinal bypasses using human umbilical vein (HUV) grafts as blood conduits over a 9 year period. In addition, 39 segments of these grafts were harvested at reoperation and submitted for morphologic, histologic, and scanning electron microscopy examinations. Fifty-two below-knee femoro-popliteal and 53 femoro-distal bypasses were performed in 93 patients. Sixty-seven per cent of these bypasses were performed for either rest pain (18%) or gangrene (49%) and 29% were performed for acute ischemia. Primary and secondary patency rates were not statistically different and were 38% and 29% at 1 and 3 years respectively. Factors found to have a significant effect on patency were site of distal anastomosis, state of distal run-off, and indication for operation. Other complications requiring reoperation included aneurysm formation (8 cases), infection (6 cases), mural thrombus (2 cases), and stenosis (2 cases). Pathologic examination revealed a damaged luminal surface in 22 grafts, deep folds in 8 grafts and delamination of the graft wall in 16 cases. Bacteria were seen in the folds of the grafts and, in addition, the presence of bacteria was documented in 7 out of 26 clinically non-infected grafts. The combination of poor patency rates and pathologic evidence of biodegradative phenomena have led us to discontinue HUV as an arterial substitute.

Adult↗

Cardiopulmonary dynamics during pumpless arteriovenous bypass for respiratory assistance.

The effect of a pumpless arteriovenous bypass with a microporous membrane oxygenator (MO) on the cardiopulmonary dynamics of dogs revealed an increase in cardiac output and cardiac work proportional to the increase in extracorporeal blood flow. Several current MOs offer so little resistance to blood flow that shunt flows exceeding a third of the normal cardiac output can easily be obtained. This should be enough for CO2 extraction covering metabolic production, and would add a non negligible amount of O2 to the blood.

Animals↗

Femorodistal bypass using the chemically processed human umbilical vein graft: 9-year experience.

To evaluate patency, limb salvage rates and complications associated with the use of human umbilical vein as an arterial substitute, the authors carried out a retrospective review of 52 femorodistal bypasses performed over 9 years using human umbilical vein. Indications for operation included acute ischemia, rest pain and nonhealing ulceration or gangrene. There were 28 early occlusions, which resulted in a 1-month primary patency rate of 46% and a secondary patency rate of 52%. The primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 18% and 19% respectively. The mean limb salvage rate at 1 month was 57% and at 1 year 34%. Three aneurysms occurred (two anastomotic, one graft). Factors found to have a significant effect on patency rates were indication for operation and state of distal runoff. Infection occurred in 6% of grafts and led to amputation in every case. These disappointing results have caused the authors to discontinue use of human umbilical vein as an arterial substitute.

Adult↗