The effect of silicone tube stenting on the outcome of total and subtotal replacement of the bile duct with autologous vein was investigated in experiments performed in pigs. All but one of the unstented animals developed dense strictures of the extrahepatic ductal system. This complication was abolished by the use of silicone stents passed transhepatically. The vein autografts in the stented a...

Room-temperature vulcanizing silicone and homopolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) have been used to permanently inflate detachable balloons [1] . HEMA is preferred over silicone because it is less viscous and is water soluble. Goto et al. [2] described a commercially available (HEMA A, lnterventional Therapeutics, S. San Francisco, CA) polymerizing substance that includes HEMA as the...

AIMS To utilise the improved optical qualities of newly developed lacrimal endoscopes and newly miniaturised laser fibres for diagnostic visualisation and laser surgery of the lacrimal system. METHODS A KTP laser (wavelength 532 nm, 10 W energy) was used for laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with endolacrimal visualisation in 26 patients. Bicanalicular silicone intubation was placed ...

Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), which consists of a silicone tube connected to a miniature silicone mask appropriate for the shape of hypopharynx and covers the larynx as a gasket, was developed in 1980s in the United Kingdom. It is frequently used both to avoid negative effects of endotracheal intubation by establishing direct connection with the airway of patient and to easily provide a more rel...