title: Effects of the novel polymer gel LeGoo on human internal thoracic arteries.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Established hemostatic devices can injure vessel wall integrity. LeGoo (Pluromed, Woburn, MA), a novel poloxamer gel with reverse thermosensitive properties, is a new device for temporary occlusion of blood vessels. The present study investigated the effects of LeGoo on vascular function and morphology.
  
  
  METHODS
  The distal end of the human internal thoracic artery was used to assess vascular function of LeGoo-applied segments in organ bath experiments and by scanning electron microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After LeGoo application, both maximal contractile responses to noradrenaline and endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine were significantly reduced. Scanning electron microscopy showed areas of injured endothelium with exposure of subendothelial structures being in line with the functional changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data suggested that application of LeGoo induced significant endothelial injury and deterioration of the smooth muscle in human internal thoracic arteries.
authors: Division of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center Basel - Bern, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland. bwinkler@uhbs.ch
authors: Bernhard
authors: B
authors: Winkler
authors: Else
authors: E
authors: Müller-Schweinitzer
authors: Faik
authors: F
authors: Elezi
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Grussenmeyer
authors: Florian
authors: F
authors: Rueter
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Matt
authors: Moritz A
authors: MA
authors: Konerding
authors: Martin T R
authors: MT
authors: Grapow
authors: Friedrich S
authors: FS
authors: Eckstein
mesh_terms: D000109:Acetylcholine / Q000494:pharmacology; D000368:Aged; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: C539704:LeGoo; D020442:Poloxamer; D000109:Acetylcholine; D009638:Norepinephrine