Conrad R. Lam

Tantalum tubes in the non-suture method of blood vessel anastomosis

Abstract Tantalum prostheses were used to anastomose the sectioned femoral arteries in twenty-five dogs. It was necessary to line the tubes with veins in order to prevent thrombosis. The best results (86 per cent patency) were obtained with a vein graft between two short cuffs. It would appear that tantalum is as good as vitallium ® or any other material which has been used for this purpose.

Splenorenal shunt for portal hypertension: Thoracico-abdominal approach

Abstract The logical treatment of portal hypertension is the creation of a shunt between the portal system and the vena cava. This may be accomplished by splenectomy followed with end-to-side anastomosis of the splenic vein to the renal vein with preservation of the kidney. This operation as well as the portacaval anastomosis on the right side is facilitated by use of a thoracico-abdominal approach.

Antibiotics in the surgery of trauma.

Abstract 1. 1. The antibiotics have not obviated the need for orthodox surgical procedures in the prophylaxis and treatment of infected wounds. 2. 2. As valuable adjuvants they have controlled the infection in some patients, and in others they have made possible certain surgical procedures hitherto impossible. 3. 3. Rational treatment demands a full bacteriologic diagnosis of the inhabitants of the wound. This diagnosis must include information about the vulnerability of the organism or organisms to the available antibiotics.