Poly(ester urethane) guides for peripheral nerve regeneration

A biocompatible and elastomeric PU was synthesized from low-molecular-weight PCL as macrodiol, CMD as chain extender and HDI as chain linker for applications in the field of peripheral nerve repair. PU cast films supported in vitro attachment and proliferation of NOBEC. The in vitro adhesion and proliferation of S5Y5 neuroblastoma cells on the inner surface of uncoated, gelatin- and PL-coated PU guides were compared. Due to their superior in vitro performance, PL-coated PU guides were tested in vivo for the repair of 1.8 cm-long defects in rat sciatic nerves. The progressive regeneration was confirmed by EMG and histological analysis showing the presence of regenerating fibers in the distal stumps.     

Vessel laser angioplastyin vitro

Summary This paper presents a set of measurements concerning the laser ability to perforate human atheromatic plaque and thrombus. Split segments of arteries were prepared under wet conditions and exposed to laser light at different power values and exposures. A multiline argon-ion laser, 5 W nominal power, coupled with a quartz fiber (600 μm diameter) was used. A dose effect correlation was found in the presence of homogeneous targets, independently of the power used. A linear fit to the data was made, which showed a very similar slope for homogeneous plaque (0.054±0.026, for a normalized χ²=0.08), as well as for organized thrombus (0.051±0.04, χ²=0.09). Such a correlation did not show up in the presence of nonhomogeneous targets.