Richard E. Parker

HYDROSTATIC PULMONARY EDEMA IN SHEEP : EFFECTS OF BRONCHIAL ARTERY EMBOLIZATION ON THE PLAIN CHEST RADIOGRAPH

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVESnThe bronchial circulation may influence pulmonary edema. This study evaluates possible effects of bronchoesophageal artery embolization on the plain film manifestations of hydrostatic pulmonary edema in sheep.nnnMETHODSnAnteroposterior and lateral chest radiographs were obtained during the induction of pulmonary edema both before and after embolization of the bronchoesophageal artery in six adult sheep. Interstitial lines and perivascular, segmental bronchial, proximal bronchial, carinal, tracheal, and parenchymal edema were evaluated.nnnRESULTSnOnly parenchymal edema was graded consistently. Though edema increased with left atrial pressure before embolization (P < .001), there was no similar change afterward. The embolized animals tended to be more edematous by the first film.nnnCONCLUSIONnRather than any protective effect, bronchoesophageal artery embolization may increase edema. This model may be inappropriate for further investigation of the bronchial circulation in the development of human pulmonary edema.

Inexpensive, air-driven ventricular assist or replacement device for use in MR research.

A simple, inexpensive, non-magnetizable, pulsatile air-driven pump has been devised for use in magnetic resonance environments. The pump has a variable stroke volume and stroke rate, is easily cleaned and sterilized, requires relatively small priming volumes and causes no observable hemolysis when blood is used as the perfusate. This device is usable for phantoms, isolated organs or in situ preparations.