Being able to induce controlled erection in dogs and monkeys, we investigated the hemodynamics and mechanism of penile erection. 'Chronic' monkey models, having had electrodes implanted around the cavernous nerves for electroerection, were studied to evaluate the details of the hemodynamic changes. The studies included: 1) arterial blood flow, 2) corporeal pressure, 3) blood gases, 4) venous flow and 5) radiography. Tumescence of the corpora cavernosa was found to be a result of: 1) active relaxation of the sinusoidal spaces, 2) active arteriolar dilatation and 3) active venous outflow constriction. At full erection there is adequate but reduced blood flow into and out of the corpora cavernosa for metabolic exchange.
Ex vivo renal artery reconstruction and autotransplantation is a relatively recent addition to the surgical armamentarium for renal vascular hypertension. Ten consecutive patients were considered for this surgical therapy and form the basis of this communication. The patients were treated by a combination of methods including bilateral ex vivo reconstruction, unilateral in situ and contralateral ex vivo reconstruction, and unilateral ex vivo reconstruction and contralateral nephrectomy. Replacement of the diseased segment of the renal artery in all ex vivo reconstruction consisted of arterial autografts including hypogastric artery, splenic artery, common iliac, and external iliac artery. In the ex vivo reconstruction, the ureter was either left intact or was transected and reconstructed by standard ureterovesicle implantation. After surgery all patients became normotensive without antihypertensive medication. Although this is a relatively small series, the uniform good results in these patients with extensive disease suggest that ex vivo renal artery reconstruction is a safe and effective method of treatment. Thus, it should be more widely applicable, expecially in those patients with renal vascular disease who were previously thought to be inoperable or eligible for nephrectomy only.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.