Nerve growth factor (NGF) and laminin are important factors for neural development and regeneration. We examined the effects of increasing the local concentration and duration of action of NGF and laminin on peripheral nerve regeneration in the adult mouse sciatic nerve. A Silastic (silicone rubber) channel with intraluminal NGF solution was secured between transected nerve ends. The second cha...

The purpose of this report is to review the results of mitral valve replacement since a first report in the Annals of Surgery in 1961, in order to determine the relative importance of new valve designs versus other surgical variables. The continued use of the silastic ball valve in its 1966 configuration (Model 6120), by providing a comparative data base for other new prosthetic valves, allows ...

Thirteen elbows affected by severe haemophilic arthropathy and treated by silastic interposition arthroplasty were followed up for at least five years. The severity of pain, the frequency and severity of spontaneous haemorrhage and the range of movement were assessed before operation and at review. All patients were much improved and needed less factor replacement. Three elbows were revised, on...

Anesthetics expand cell membranes, and high pressures (about 10-15 MPa) antagonize the anesthetic action. It is also known that inhalation anesthetics expand elastomer membranes. The mechanism of pressure antagonism of anesthetic action on membrane expansion was investigated in the present study with Silastic membranes. Halothane increased the length of Silastic membrane (0.14% per kPa), with a...

The present study was undertaken to compare the release of testosterone and its derivatives in adult male bonnet monkeys by different routes. Testosterone and its derivatives such as T.propionate, T.enanthate, T.undecanoate, T.busiclate and 7 -Methyl 19-nortestosterone (MENT) were administered via different routes that includes intramuscular, Alzet pump and Silastic tubing. It was observed that...

Repair of parotid duct lacerations in 2 horses is described using intraluminal silastic tubing as a stent. The duct was lacerated traumatically at the facial vessel notch (incisura vasorum facialium) in the 1st horse, and iatrogenically after removal of an intraluminal sialolith after development of infection within the duct in the 2nd horse. In both cases, a silastic tube was passed retrograde...

OBJECTIVE To report an original method of ossicular reconstruction with intact stapes and absent malleus. Ossiculoplasty is performed with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis positioned from the stapes footplate to the under-surface of the tympanic membrane, using a Silastic banding technique to stabilize the prosthesis. STUDY DESIGN A prospective study of ossicular reconstruction using ...