Biomedical subjects

Yasuyuki Shiraishi

Publications and source records attributed to Yasuyuki Shiraishi.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Passive mechanical properties of large intestine under in vivo and in vitro compression.

This paper presents experimental data obtained from both in vivo and in vitro compression of the large intestine of goat. In vivo experimental data were obtained from compression tests on the large intestine of an anesthetized goat using force-displacement acquisition equipment. In vitro experimental data were also obtained from tissue excised after the in vivo experiments, and two types of data were then compared. The results demonstrated that the stress values had a strong dependence on the compressive rate in the in vivo experiments, although such effect was not distinct in the in vitro experiments. Additionally, at a lower compression rate, the intestinal tissues were found to be stiffer in the in vitro experiments than in the in vivo ones. This paper is a preliminary report on the mechanical properties of the large intestine based on in vivo and in vitro experimental data.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Impact of type A behavior on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in Japanese.

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the velocity of a pulse wave traveling a given distance between 2 sites in the arterial system, and is a well-known indicator of arteriosclerosis. Brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) is a parameter more simple to obtain, compared with the conventional PWV, and is an easy and effective means of evaluating arteriosclerosis. BaPWV can be obtained by only wrapping the four extremities with blood pressure cuffs, and it can be easily used to screen a large number of subjects. Type A behavior has been confirmed as an independent risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease. To examine the relationship between Type A behavior and arteriosclerosis, 307 normal Japanese subjects were classified into either a Type A group (n = 90) or a non-Type A group (n = 217) by using Maeda's Type A Scale. BaPWV was evaluated using a PWV diagnosis device. The baPWV in the Type A group was significantly higher than that obtained in the non-Type A group. The baPWV showed a positive correlation with age both in the Type A group and in the non-Type A group; however, the straight-line regression slope of baPWV versus age in the Type A group was significantly larger than that in the non-Type A group. Therefore, our results suggest that arteriosclerosis might be promoted earlier in subjects expressing the Type A behavior pattern. Type A behavior pattern is confirmed as a risk factor for arteriosclerosis, and may increase the risk of the cardiovascular disease related to arteriosclerosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Development of the pulsation device for rotary blood pumps.

A rotary blood pump (RP) is desirable as a small ventricular assist device (VAD). However, an RP is nonpulsatile. We tried to develop a device that attaches a pulse to the RP. We also tried to develop a pulse-generating equipment that was not air-pressure driven. The ball screw motor was considered a candidate. The application of a small-sized shape memory alloy was also attempted. An electrohydraulic system was adopted, and actuator power was connected to the diaphragm. The diaphragm was placed on the outer side of the ventricle. Most RPs that have been developed all over the world drain blood from the ventricle. The wave of a pulse should be generated if a pulse is added by the drawn part. The output assistance from the outer side of the ventricle was attempted in animal experiments, and the device operated effectively. This device can be used during implantable operation of RP. This may serve as an effective device in patients experiencing problems in peripheral circulation and in the function of internal organs.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity in Japanese and Russians.

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a well-known indicator of arterial stiffness and a marker of the presence of vascular lesions. Cardiovascular mortality in Russia has become the highest in the world. The Japanese are enjoying long lives, and the mortality caused by cardiovascular diseases has thus far remained at lower levels than that in Russia. In this study, we focused on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) obtained from normal human subjects in Russia as well as in Japan, and compared their respective cardiovascular risks. We evaluated baPWV in 337 Japanese and 138 Russian healthy subjects. The baPWV was recorded using a PWV diagnosis device. BaPWV was measured between 2 locations of the arterial tree. The baPWV in the Russian group was significantly higher than that obtained in the Japanese of two groups categorized by age (40-59 years and 60- years). Further, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure in the Russian group were significantly higher than those obtained in Japanese in three age groups (under 39 years, 40-59 years, and 60- years). Moreover, the baPWV indicated a positive correlation with age, BMI and SBP in both Japanese and Russians, although the increasing trend of the baPWV against age of the Russian group had a larger value than that of the Japanese. Therefore, we suggest that arterial stiffness might be promoted earlier in the Russian group, which might be the main cause of the increased cardiovascular risk in Russia.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Non-blood contacting electro-hydraulic artificial myocardium (EHAM) improves the myocardial tissue perfusion.

Artificial heart (AH) and ventricular assist devices (VAD) are widely used in the clinical setting to assist severe heart failure patients. The concept of direct cardiac compression (DCC) has been in use for several decades and has advantages over intravascular VAD. The process involves compressing the dysfunctional heart from its epicardial surface to avoid the thromboembolic events and decrease the complications and mortality. An Electro-hydraulic Artificial Myocardium (EHAM) system was designed and fabricated by Tohoku University. This system may assist cardiac contraction and create pulsatile blood flow. The aim of this study was to clearly define the hemodynamic efficiency of the EHAM system in myocardial tissue perfusion during its application in acute animal experiment. Eight healthy adult goats were used; left lateral thoracotomy was performed and the chest was opened by the resection of the 4th and 5th ribs. Hemodynamic parameters including ECG, blood pressure and cardiac output were continuously monitored. Myocardial tissue perfusion was measured by using Omega flow laser fiber attached to the surface of the heart. During the EHAM compression, and increase in blood pressure and myocardial tissue perfusion was observed in all animals when compared with pre-assisted mode. To conclude, EHAM effectively improves myocardial tissue perfusion and increases the pressure on the initiation of direct cardiac compression immediately. Thus it can be a potentially valuable adjunct in the management of severe heart failure.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Effect of the elastic conditions around a stentless valvular bioprosthesis on opening behavior.

Stentless valvular bioprostheses have been used clinically for over 8 years and the excellent properties of the bioprostheses have been demonstrated in clinical studies. The present study examined how differing elastic conditions around the bioprosthesis at the aortic position affect the hydrodynamic characteristics of the bioprosthesis. Bioprosthesis implantation is typically performed using either the subcoronary or the full-root technique. These procedures for implanting a stentless prosthetic heart valve at the aortic root were hydrodynamically evaluated in a mock circulatory system. Forward flow rate was 11% greater with the subcoronary technique than with the full-root technique. In a high-speed video camera study, the orifice area at full opening was 12% larger for the subcoronary technique than for the full-root technique. Evaluation of bioprosthetic characteristics in terms of mechanical conditions is important when considering surgical options.

Bioprosthesis↗

PubMed2004

A Japanese-Russian collaborative study on aging and atherosclerosis.

In Russia, the average life span is decreasing. This phenomenon has not been previously observed in the western hemisphere during periods of relative peace. Although this trend can be attributed to various causes, the available statistics suggest that approximately 55% of the total mortality in Russia at the present time is due to cardiovascular events. Similarly, cardiovascular events are also increasing in Japan and are associated with changes in eating habits. A Japanese-Russian international collaborative study was therefore initiated to investigate this. Data on 102 normal Russian subjects were obtained from a total of 345 patients treated at the Smolensk State Medical Academy outpatients' clinic. The data on the Japanese patients were collected at Tohoku University, Tohoku Rosai Hospital, and Fukuda Denshi Company. Sixty-seven healthy male Japanese volunteers were compared with 44 healthy male Russian patients. In this study, Vasera VS1000 (Fukuda Denshi, Tokyo) was utilized to measure pulse wave velocity (PWV). Linear regression analysis was performed, and the results showed that brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) was significantly higher in the Russian compared with the Japanese study group. With regard to aging, PWV was found to increase both in the Japanese and Russian subjects, with a significant increase in the latter group during their 40s compared with the Japanese, and with this tendency being carried forward into the 50s. This may be the principal cause for the higher incidence of cardiovascular events reported among Russians. Furthermore, when a straight line regression analysis was performed, the zero axis intercept in both cases showed almost the same value. These results indicated that the PWV may be almost the same in Japanese and Russian populations at the time of birth. In conclusion, at the time of birth, there is no difference in the atherosclerotic status of Japanese and Russian infants. However, over time atherosclerosis becomes more apparent and progresses significantly in the case of Russian subjects. This finding is observed through the analysis of PWV. The present authors intend to continue their study aimed at preventing the further development of atherosclerosis through medical intervention.

Aging↗

PubMed2004

Addition of rhythm to non-pulsatile circulation.

The development of a rotary blood pump (RP) is desirable as it can be used as a small ventricular assistance device (VAD). However, a RP does not generate any pulse. It may be physiologically better for the patient if the RP could generate a pulse. We have attempted to develop a device that produces a pulse in the RP. Intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP) is effective in producing a pulse. However, the IABP cannot be implanted inside the body. Therefore, an attempt was made to develop pulse-generating equipment that was not driven by air pressure. The ball screw motor was considered as a possible candidate. In the future, we plan to apply small shape memory alloys. An electrohydraulic system was adopted, and actuator power output was connected to the diaphragm. The diaphragm was placed outside the ventricle. Most RPs developed throughout the world drain blood from the ventricle. The pulse wave should be generated if a pulse is added by the part from which blood is being drawn. In this study, animal experiments were conducted and the output assistance was tested from outside the ventricle. The device operated effectively in the animal experiment. The RP can easily be equipped with this device at the time of performing the implant operation. For a patient with problems of peripheral circulation and the internal organ function, it may prove to be an effective device.

Animal Experimentation↗

PubMed2004

An artificial myocardium assist system: electrohydraulic ventricular actuation improves myocardial tissue perfusion in goats.

UNLABELLED: Artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices have been widely used clinically to assist patients with severe heart failure. Unfortunately, direct contact between the device and the patient's blood leads to thromboembolic events, and then the need for anticoagulation and infections contribute significantly to complication and mortality. Compressing the dysfunctional heart from its epicardial surface, a nonblood-contacting method of direct mechanical ventricular actuation could provide ventricular support, pulsatile blood flow, and avoid interactions between blood and the surface of the artificial assistance system. An ElectroHydraulic Artificial Myocardial (EHAM) assist system that might assist heart muscle contraction has been developed. The purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of the EHAM system in perfusing myocardial tissue in an acute animal experiment. METHOD: Healthy adult goats (n = 8) were used in acute animal experiments. A left lateral thoracotomy was done and the chest was opened through the 4th and 5th rib resection. Hemodynamic parameters were continuously monitored including ECG, aortic blood pressure, left ventricular pressure, and pulmonary artery pressure. Myocardial tissue perfusion was measured by using an Omega flow laser fiber attached on the surface of the heart. RESULTS: All the animals achieved significantly increased blood pressure, pulmonary artery flow, and myocardial tissue perfusion during the EHAM compression compared with the nondriving (pre-assisted) mode. CONCLUSIONS: The EHAM system can effectively improve myocardial tissue perfusion and increase blood pressure thus demonstrating a potential for treating failing cardiac performance.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Development of an implantable undulation type ventricular assist device for control of organ circulation.

It is well known that a rotary blood pump (RP) is effective as a small ventricular assist device (VAD). It might be still more effective if pulsation was available. The undulation pump (UP), which is a type of small RP, can also produce pulsation. In Japan, a development project for an implantable type UP ventricular assist device (UPVAD) is now advanced. Six universities and some companies together have been in charge of the development project for 5 years. In this study, the influence which the UP under development has on circulation in internal organs was investigated. Goats with the same weight as an average Asian person were used for the experiment. The left chest cavity was opened after resection of the fourth rib and the heart was approached. A cannula was inserted in the left ventricle from the apex. An outflow cannula was inserted into the left descending aorta. Heart muscle was excised using a newly developed puncher. The UPVAD was implanted using a left-heart bypass system. The myocardial blood flow, carotid arterial blood flow, and the kidney blood flow were recorded together with an electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and the flow rate. In these animal experiments, the blood circulation dynamic state was stabilized and sufficient support of the left heart was observed. Myocardial blood flow, carotid arterial flow, and a kidney blood flow increase resulting from UPVAD support was observed. Often the problem of multiple organ failure is important at the time of clinical application of a ventricular assist device. Assisting circulation to internal organs is important for prevention of multiple organ failure. It was concluded that the UPVAD might be useful for prevention of multiple organ failure.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Component engineering for an implantable system.

Component engineering is important for the development of implantable-type rotary blood pumps (RP). The authors are conducting elementary development of an implantable artificial heart. A sensor system detects information in the living body. An automatic control system performs the drive control. Energy is provided by a transcutaneous energy transmission system (TETS). Various artificial hearts are being created. Miniaturization resulting from an increase in operating frequency is planned. A vibrating flow pump (VFP) has a reduced size of pumping chamber because of the high-speed reciprocating movement. Undulation pump ventricular assist devices (UPVAD) are small, lightweight rotary pumps. VFPs are useful in the medical treatment of multiple organ failure (MOF). UPVADs are planned to be permanent-use RPs. The purposes of these two artificial hearts differ, although they have a common component. The authors are developing TETS by using amorphous fibers, making efficient power transmission possible. Control information input from a micro or nano sensor is realized. A control algorithm has been developed and baroreflex control has been successful. Artificial heart development, fully exploiting component engineering, continues.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Artificial myocardium with an artificial baroreflex system using nano technology.

Where is the place which should be helped in a patient with congestive heart failure? The answer may be contraction of the heart. At Tohoku University, development research of "the artificial myocardium" has been conducted, using a ball screw type electromagnetic motor. Furthermore, super-miniaturization is being attempted at present. Thus, a system with shape memory alloy is being developed. The cooling speed problem was solved by the application of the Peltier element. A drive at a speed equal to that of a heartbeat was realized by the application of this system. At present, a ventricular assist device is used for patients waiting for a heart transplant in Japan. An air driven type system disturbs a patient's QOL remarkably because it is connected to the drive device. With our concept, energy is provided by using the electromagnetic force from outside of the body by the use of transcutaneous energy transmission system. Magnetic shielding by amorphous fibers was used at Tohoku University to improve the total efficiency. A natural heart can alter the cardiac output corresponding to the demand. Artificial internal organs must participate in the system of the living body, too. Tohoku University has developed a resistance based artificial heart control algorithm, which simulated a baroreflex system to cope with every demand. Nano level sensing equipment is now under development at Tohoku University. At present, development is being conducted aiming at an "intelligent artificial myocardium".

Baroreflex↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Recording vagal nerve activity for the control of an artificial heart system.

Monitoring cardiovascular control system information is important in considering the quality of life (QOL) of patients with artificial hearts. Natural heart circulation is controlled by an autonomic nervous system. Therefore, it is desirable to record autonomic nerve activity for the control of artificial heart systems. We directly recorded vagal nerve activity in long-term animal experiments. Six healthy adult goats were anesthetized with halothane inhalation, and thoracotomy was performed with the fourth rib resection during mechanical ventilation. Arterial blood pressure and right and left atrial pressures were continuously monitored with an inserted catheter. Cardiac output was measured by an electromagnetic flow meter attached to the ascending aorta. After the chest was closed, an incision was made in the left neck, and the left vagal nerve was separated. Stainless steel electrodes were inserted into the vagal nerve and fixed by a plasticizer. After the incision was closed, the goats were transferred to a cage and extubated after waking. Vagal nerve activity was measured using hemodynamic parameters when the animals were awake. Our results show that clear observation of autonomic nerve discharge was made through this experimental system for over 1 month. The tonus of the vagal nerve was significantly altered before body motion with hemodynamic changes, suggesting the possibility of prediction. These results suggest that information from autonomic nerves may help to control implantable artificial hearts or ventricular assist devices.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Artificial esophagus with peristaltic movement.

In this study, we have developed an artificial esophagus simulating peristaltic movement with the use of a nickel-titanium shape memory alloy (NiTi-SMA) actuator. Serial pairs of NiTi-SMAs were placed around a Gore-Tex vascular graft in a helical position such that they obliterated the lumen of the vessel when they contracted. In an animal experiment using a goat, the cervical esophagus was resected over a length of approximately 20 cm. The artificial esophagus was anastomosed with the remaining cervical esophagus. When a direct current of 500 mA at 5 V was applied to the NiTi-SMAs, the first pair of the NiTi-SMA contracted. The following pairs of the NiTi-SMAs contracted consecutively. The entire contraction of the artificial esophagus was similar to the esophageal peristaltic movement observed by x-ray examination in humans. The results showed the possibility that the artificial esophagus could function as an artificial esophagus having peristaltic movement.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗