Experimental study of hollow, absorbable polyglycolic acid tube as stent for vasovasostomy.

Bilateral vasovasostomy in 16 rats permitted evaluation of a microsurgical technique using an original absorbable hollow stent made of polyglycolic acid. Advantages of this stent included ease of anastomosis, maintenance of luminal patency, satisfactory approximation of vasal ends, and reduction of perivasal inflammation possibly due to reduction of extravasation of sperm. Absorbable stents were eliminated within four weeks of placement, and patency was confirmed by histologic studies performed two, four, and six weeks after vasovasostomy.

Target-specific nerve regeneration through a nerve guide in the rat.

Nerve regeneration across a gap in peripheral nerve has been achieved through various nonneural nerve guides in both lower and primate species. This technique can only be useful if the regenerated nerve cable grows specifically to and reinnervates the appropriate distal target. In this study, the proximal peroneal fascicle of rat sciatic nerve was inserted into the proximal limb of a Y-shaped nerve guide. Distal peroneal and tibial fascicles were placed within the two distal limbs of the same Y. The proximal peroneal nerve grew preferentially by a 2:1 ratio to the appropriate distal peroneal fascicle suggesting that target-specific reinnervation is possible through a nerve guide.

Vascularized versus nonvascularized nerve grafts: an experimental structural comparison.

This study compared the success of nerve regeneration through conventional nonvascularized and vascularized nerve grafts in the sciatic nerve of rats. The number or size of regenerated axons between the two grafts was not significantly different. In addition, the ratio of axonal diameter to total diameter of the nerve, a measurement linearly related to conduction velocity, was not significantly different in the two groups. Thicker myelin sheaths were found around axons in the nonvascularized nerve grafts.

HHS circulating regulations finalized on June 17.

On June 17, 1986, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published its final regulations in the Federal Register governing the hospital Conditions of Participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. The final regulations state that "In accordance with applicable State laws and approved medical staff policies and procedures, ...surgical technologists may assist in circulatory duties under the supervision of a qualified registered nurse who is immediately available to respond to emergencies". Coming after a dozen years of exhaustive research and debate on the conditions, HHS deleted the work "direct" as it applies to the degree of supervision required for circulating surgical technologists because, HHS states, "it will give hospitals maximum flexibility to manage their internal procedures...and will recognize appropriately the special qualifications of surgical technologists". The following article will provide you with the historical background and development of this regulation, scheduled to take effect on September 15.