Occlusion of Aorta by Living Tissue. 115 



Strips of aorta were employed rather than of fascia lata, for ex- 

 ample, because I hoped that the elastic tissue, in case it did not 

 live, might, at least, serve its purpose for a time sufficient to cure 

 an aneurysm. 



At the end of two months one of the dogs was killed and I was 

 pleased to find that the cuff which had been used in this experi- 

 ment was apparently organized and had not stretched to any 

 appreciable extent. Above the cuff the aortic pulse was forcible, 

 but below the constriction it was very feeble, though countable 

 and accompanied by a thrill. 



The other dog operated upon at the same time and in the 

 same manner, except that a spiral band of aorta instead of a cuff 

 had been employed died (cause of death unascertained) about 

 three weeks after the operation. In this instance the aorta had 

 been almost completely occluded by the spiral aortic strip. The 

 weldlike band had not stretched and seemed to be organized. 

 The aorta on being split longitudinally was seen to be greatly 

 and characteristically infolded and almost occluded at the site 

 of the band. Sections of the specimens indicate that the elastic 

 coats of the bands as well of the included artery are intact. Dur- 

 ing the present winter I have made many similar experiments em- 

 ploying various fresh tissues for the bands with most encouraging 

 results. We have learned, however, that whereas the spiral bands 

 seem to be perfectly safe there is danger in the employment of the 

 cuffs. In two instances of twelve or more experiments one of the 

 mattrass sutures taken to hold the flaps of the cuffs together cut 

 through one side and thus being brought in contact with the aortic 

 wall cut a minute hole in the vessel through which the animal 

 bled to death. Such an accident can hardly happen with the 

 employment of the spiral strip, for not only is the strain on the 

 stitches very slight when this form of band is used, but even if 

 it were so great that a thread might cut through the spiral at any 

 point, it could hardly be brought to bear upon the aorta in such 

 way as to wear into its wall. 



The spiral strip is wound twice about the aorta, and when one 

 or perhaps two stitches have been taken at one end to hold the 

 contiguous edges of the spiral together at this point, the other end 

 of the strip is pulled upon until the aorta is occluded to the desired 



