布托啡诺在剖宫产术后硬膜外镇痛中最佳剂量的探讨

目的探讨布托啡诺用于剖宫产术后硬膜外镇痛的最佳剂量。方法 60例剖宫产产妇,ASAⅠ-Ⅱ级,随机分为三组,每组20例。分别予0.135%布比卡因＋0.002%布托啡诺（Ⅰ组）、0.135%布比卡因＋0.004%布托啡诺（Ⅱ组）及0.135%布比卡因＋0.006%布托啡诺（Ⅲ组）行硬膜外镇痛。采用负荷量＋持续剂量给药模式,持续剂量背景流速2 ml/h。结果术后8 hⅡ、Ⅲ组VAS均低于Ⅰ组（P〈0.01）,BCS高于Ⅰ组（P〈0.05）,而Ⅱ组的Romesay评分高于Ⅰ、Ⅲ组（P〈0.05）。术后Ⅰ、Ⅱ组各出现呕吐1例（5.0%）,而Ⅲ组发生7例（35.0%）,差异有显著性（P〈0.01）。结论布托啡诺剖宫产术后硬膜外镇痛效果确切,恶心呕吐及瘙痒的发生率低;0.135%布比卡因＋0.004%布托啡诺是较为安全的有效剂量。     

多沙普仑减轻布托啡诺术后镇痛期嗜睡的临床研究

目的 观察多沙普仑对布托啡诺术后镇痛期嗜睡和VAS评分的影响.方法 全组均行硬膜外麻醉后,随机分为0.01%布托啡诺和0.1%多沙普仑镇痛泵组(组Ⅰ,n=35),0.01%布托啡诺和0.15%多沙普仑镇痛泵组(组Ⅱ,n=35)和0.01%布托啡诺镇痛泵组(组Ⅲ,n=35).比较术后镇痛效果和副作用.结果 3组均获得了满意的术后镇痛效果.镇静评分(OAA/S,术后8 h～24 h):组Ⅲ>组Ⅰ和组Ⅱ(分别P<0.01).SpO2(负荷剂量后0 min～30 min):组Ⅲ分别小于组Ⅰ和组Ⅱ.VAS评分(术后8h～24 h):组Ⅲ<组Ⅰ和组ⅡP<0.05,但3组VAS均≤3分,且D1/D2值3组互比P>0.05.其他副作用无统计学差异.结论 多沙普仑和布托啡诺合用能有效地减轻或消除布托啡诺术后镇痛期的嗜睡副作用,提高临床用药的安全性.     

酒石酸布托啡诺在硬膜外术后镇痛中的应用

目的通过与吗啡作对比研究酒石酸布托啡诺在术后硬膜外镇痛中的效能和副作用。方法56例择期行在腰硬联合麻醉下行下腹部手术患者,男36例,女20例,年龄21岁～63岁,ASAⅠ～Ⅱ,随机分成二组：M组（吗啡组n=28）：0．004％吗啡＋0．12％布比卡因,B组（酒石酸布托啡诺n=28）：0．004％酒石酸布托啡诺＋0．12％布比卡因,进行硬膜外术后镇痛。手术缝皮时分别向两组病人硬膜外腔注射吗啡或酒石酸布托啡诺1mg做为负荷剂量,然后接硬膜外PCA泵,参数设定如下背景输入速度2ml／h,自控镇痛剂量0．5ml／次,锁定时间15min。用VAS评分评价镇痛效果,同时观察硬膜外术后镇痛的并发症。结果两组镇痛效果都较为满意;酒石酸布托啡诺组的VAS评分低于吗啡组,但无统计学意义。酒石酸布托啡诺组瘙痒、恶心、呕吐的发生率低于吗啡组。结论酒石酸布托啡诺硬膜外术后镇痛效果可靠,副作用少,值得在临床中推广使用。     

布托啡诺复合氟哌利多用于术中镇痛镇静的临床观察

目的 比较布托啡诺与哌替啶联用氟哌利多用于术中镇痛镇静的临床效果。方法 择期在腰-硬联合麻醉下行下肢骨折手术病人60例,随机均分为布托啡诺组（N组）和哌替啶组（P组）。手术切皮前N组静脉滴注布托啡诺2mg加氟哌利多2．5mg;P组静脉滴注哌替啶50mg加氟哌利多2．5mg。分别记录给药前（T1）、给药后5rain（T2）、30min（T3）以及病人苏醒后（L）的脑电双频指数（BIS）及各时点的HR、MAP、SpO2、RR,并行警觉／镇静评分（OAA／s）。结果 两组各时点HR、MAP、OAA／S、BIS比较差异无统计学意义;P组T1、T2时的SpO2及RR均低于N组（P〈0．05）。结论 布托啡诺联用氟哌利多用于术中镇痛镇静,效果确切,不良反应少。     

布托啡诺用于开胸术后患者静脉自控镇痛对胃肠道功能的影响

目的 在患者静脉自控镇痛基础上观察布托啡诺对开胸术后胃肠功能影响,探讨解除开胸患者术后疼痛、减轻胃肠道影响的方法.方法 40例择期行开胸手术患者随机分为芬太尼组（A组）和布托啡诺组（B组）,分别于术后接受静脉自控镇痛治疗.两组患者术后行镇痛、镇静评分,观察不良反应、肠鸣音恢复时间段和肛门第一次排气时间段.检测血浆胃动素含量.结果 两组患者一般情况、镇痛疗效无差异.与A组比较,B组术后4h Ramsay评分明显增高（P〈0.05）.不良反应中,B组恶心、呕吐发生率低于A组（P〈0.05）,而嗜睡发生率高于A组（P〈0.05）.两组患者术后肛门第一次排气时间段差异无统计学意义,但术后肠鸣音恢复时间段B组小于A组（P〈0.05）.结论 布托啡诺和芬太尼用于开胸术后静脉自控镇痛均可取得满意的镇痛效果,但布托啡诺对胃肠道的影响小于芬太尼,更适于开胸术后患者静脉自控镇痛.     

氯诺昔康用于无痛人工流产的可行性研究

目的探讨氯诺昔康复合丙泊酚麻醉用于无痛人流的可行性。方法将90例无痛人流患者随机分为3组，每组各30例．组Ⅰ：氯诺昔康（可赛风）0．15mg／kg；组Ⅱ：芬太尼1μg／kg；组Ⅲ：氯胺酮0．4mg／kg，3组均给予复合丙泊酚静脉麻醉。监测患者术前、扩宫颈、注射缩宫素和术毕的生命体征变化，记录丙泊酚用量、睁眼时间、术后不良反应的发生情况，评定术中及术后10min的镇痛效果。结果3组间MAP、HR、RR、术中镇痛效果、丙泊酚用量及睁眼时间差异均无显著性（P〉0．05）；Ⅰ组术后10min镇痛效果明显优于Ⅱ、Ⅲ组（P〈0．05）；3组患者术后不良反应的发生率差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。结论氯诺昔康复合丙泊酚麻醉可安全用于无痛人流，尤其减轻术后宫缩痛方面优于芬太尼和氯胺酮。     

酒石酸布托啡诺不同用药方法用于甲状腺手术镇痛

目的 观察不同剂量及不同用药方法酒石酸布托啡诺对全凭静脉麻醉下甲状腺手术术后镇痛效果.方法 66例择期行甲状腺手术的女性患者,年龄18～65岁,体重45～70 kg,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机均分为三组.切皮前10 min分别给予酒石酸布托啡诺0.02 mg/kg静脉注射(Ⅰ组);0.02 mg/kg肌肉注射(Ⅱ组);0.03 mg/kg肌肉注射(Ⅲ组).行喉罩插入全凭静脉麻醉,术后1、2、4、6、8、12、24 h用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评价手术部位的疼痛,舒适评分法(BCS)评价咳嗽时疼痛,并记录不良反应.结果 Ⅰ组、Ⅲ组术后1、2、4、6、8、12 h的镇痛效果优于Ⅱ组(P＜0.05);BCS评分三组差异无统计学意义;Ⅰ组中有1例术后1 h内出现呼吸频率为8次/分;术后嗜睡及头晕Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组(P＜0.05);Ⅱ组有5例患者术后12 h内追加镇痛药物.明显高于Ⅰ组、Ⅲ组(P＜0.05).结论 在全凭静脉麻醉下甲状腺手术患者给予0.03 mg/kg酒石酸布托啡诺肌肉注射可达到满意的术后镇痛效果,且不增加不良反应的发生.     

子宫切除术后不同浓度舒芬太尼混合左旋布比卡因病人硬膜外自控镇痛的效果

目的 评价不同浓度舒芬太尼与左旋布比卡因混合用于经腹子宫切除术后病人硬膜外自控镇痛（PCEA）的效果。方法 择期经腹行子宫切除术病人90例，年龄41～64岁，ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级，随机分为3组（n=30）：Ⅰ组（舒芬太尼0．4μg／ml配伍0．2％左旋布比卡因）、Ⅱ组（舒芬太尼0．5μg／ml配伍0．2％左旋布比卡因）、Ⅲ组（舒芬太尼0．6μg／ml配伍0．2％左旋布比卡因）。均采用LCP模式给药，负荷剂量5ml，持续剂量1ml／h，单次给药剂量2ml，锁定时间10min，全程镇痛24h。观察和记录病人PCA泵开启时和开启后4、8、16、20、24hMAP、HR、视觉模拟法（VAS）评分、Ramsay评分、总按压次数／实际有效进药次数（D1／D2）比值及术后恶心、呕吐等不良反应发生情况。结果 与Ⅰ组比较，Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组PCA泵开启后8、12hVAS评分降低（P〈0．05）；3组术后镇痛期间未按压的例数Ⅰ组最少，Ⅲ组最多（P〈0．05）；3组按压次数〉9次的例数Ⅲ组最少（P〈0．05）；D1／D2比值Ⅰ组高于Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组。Ⅰ组有4例需硬膜外追加吗啡，Ⅰ组发生低血压1例，Ⅱ组发生头晕1例。3组均未发生恶心、呕吐、呼吸抑制等不良反应。结论 舒芬太尼0．6μg/ml与0．2％左旋布比卡因混合用于经腹子宫切除术后PCEA效果满意，且不良反应发生率低。     

布托啡诺或曲马多复合芬太尼用于全麻术后镇痛的临床效果比较

目的比较布托啡诺复合芬太尼与曲马多复合芬太尼用于全麻术后病人自控镇痛的效果及不良反应。方法 60例择期乳腺癌根治术行全身麻醉患者,随机分为两组,每组30例：A组为布托啡诺配伍芬太尼组,B组为曲马多配伍芬太尼组。记录并比较术后4、8、16、24、48 h疼痛视觉模拟评分（visual analogue pain scale,VAS）、舒适度评分（Bruggman comfort score,BCS）及Ramsay镇静评分及不良反应。结果两组术后镇痛效果VAS评分和自主按压次数相比均无统计学差异（P〉0.05）;A组术后4、8、16、24 h BCS及Ramsay镇静评分明显高于B组（P〈0.05）,其恶心呕吐及皮肤瘙痒发生率均明显低于B组（P〈0.05）。结论布托啡诺复合芬太尼镇痛效果确切,不良反应较少,是全麻术后镇痛治疗的良好选择之一。     

多种无痛技术在妇科手术中的应用效果比较

目的：探讨多种无痛技术在妇产科门诊手术中临床应用的效果。方法：将我院2000年3月至2007年3月600例自愿要求应用各种无痛技术实施妇科门诊手术的患者分为3组，分别采用静脉麻醉（Ⅰ组）、宫颈注射（Ⅱ组）和宫颈表面浸润（Ⅲ组）等无痛技术，对照组无麻醉要求300例（Ⅳ组），观察各组临床镇痛效果、宫口松弛程度、手术时间、术中术后出血等情况。结果：Ⅰ组镇痛效果显著，有效率100％，U组镇痛效果良好，有效率77％，Ⅲ组镇痛有效54％，IV组无镇痛，各镇痛组与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05），Ⅰ组与Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）；Ⅱ组与Ⅲ组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。各镇痛组手术时间、术中出血量、术后l周复查阴道出血量等与Ⅳ组比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05），Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组，各组之间比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：Ⅰ组镇痛效果显著，但对麻醉管理要求较高；Ⅱ组优于Ⅲ组，Ⅱ组和Ⅲ组镇痛效果满意，方法简便易行，安全可靠，有推广价值。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

A Teaspoon Pump for Pumping Blood with High Hydraulic Efficiency and Low Hemolysis Potential

Abstract: Virtually all blood pumps contain some kind of rubbing, sliding, closely moving machinery surfaces that are exposed to the blood being pumped. These valves, internal bearings, magnetic bearing position sensors, and shaft seals cause most of the problems with blood pumps. The original teaspoon pump design prevented the rubbing, sliding machinery surfaces from contacting the blood. However, the hydraulic efficiency was low because the blood was able to "slip around" the rotating impeller so that the blood itself never rotated fast enough to develop adequate pressure. An improved teaspoon blood pump has been designed and tested and has shown acceptable hydraulic performance and low hemolysis potential. The new pump uses a nonrotating "swinging" hose as the pump impeller. The fluid enters the pump through the center of the swinging hose; therefore, there can be no fluid slip between the revolving blood and the revolving impeller. The new pump uses an impeller that is comparable to a flexible garden hose. If the free end of the hose were swung around in a circle like half of a jump rope, the fluid inside the hose would rotate and develop pressure even though the hose impeller itself did not "rotate"; therefore, no rotating shaft seal or internal bearings are required.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Tissue perfusion in relation to cardiac output during continuous positive-pressure ventilation and administration of propranolol or verapamil

Background : Our objective was to determine whether administration of propranolol or verapamil modifies the hemodynamic adaptation to continuous positive-pressure ventilation (CPPV), in particular the regional distribution of cardiac output (CO).
Methods : General hemodynamics and regional blood flows assessed by microsphere technique (15 (μm) were recorded in 16 anesthetized pigs during spontaneous breathing (SB) and CPPV with 8 cm H₂O end-expiratory pressure (CPPV8) before and after intravenous administration of propranolol (0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.15 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8) or verapamil (0.1 mg · kg⁻¹ followed by 0.3 mg · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹, n=8).
Results : CPPV8 depressed CO by 25% without shifts in its relative distribution with the exception of a noteworthy increase in adrenal perfusion. Propranolol increased arterial blood pressure, and due to a fall in heart rate, CO dropped by 25%. The kidneys and, to a lesser extent, the splanchic region and central nervous system received increased fractions of the remaining CO at the expense of skeletal muscle flow. Similar patterns were seen during SB and CPPV8 such that the combination of propranolol and CPPV8 depressed CO by 50%. The circulatory effects of verapamil were less evident but myocardial perfusion tended to increase.
Conclusions : The combination of propranolol or verapamil with CPPV does not result in any specific hemodynamic interaction in anesthetized pigs, except that the combined effect of propranolol and CPPV may severely reduce CO.     

Volatile anaesthetics reduce adhesion of blood platelets under low-flow conditions in the coronary system of isolated guinea pig hearts

Background : Inhibitory effects of volatile anaesthetics on platelet aggregation have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the influence of volatile anaesthetics on intracoronary platelet adhesion has not been elucidated so far.
Methods : Isolated hearts of guinea pigs were perfused with buffer in the absence or presence of volatile anaesthetics (0.5 and 1 MAC) at constant coronary flow rates of 5 ml/min for 25 min, then 1 ml/min for 30 min and again 5 ml/min for 10 min. Before, during and after low-flow perfusion, a bolus of human platelets was applied into the coronary system. To simulate thrombogenic conditions, 0.3 U/ml human thrombin was infused during low-flow perfusion and reperfusion. The number of platelets sequestered to the endothelium was calculated from the difference between coronary in- and output of platelets. The myocardial production of lactate and consumption of pyruvate and coronary perfusion pressure were also determined.
Results : At a flow rate of 5 ml/min only about 3% of the applied platelets did not emerge from the coronary system, in any group. In contrast, 13.1±1.2% (mean±SEM) of infused platelets became adherent in low-flow perfusion in the control group without anaesthetic. The adherence was reduced with each 1 MAC isoflurane (to 6.2±1.2%), sevoflurane (to 4.4±0.9%) or halothane (to 3.2±1.5%) (each P <0.05 vs. control). Volatile anaesthetic, 0.5 MAC, did not inhibit platelet adhesion to a statistically significant extent in any case. Perfusion pressure and metabolic parameters were not statistically different between the control and the hearts exposed to anaesthetics.
Conclusion : Volatile anaesthetics in a concentration of 1 MAC can reduce the adhesion of platelets in the coronary system under reduced flow conditions. This action does not arise from vasodilation or inhibition of ischaemic stress.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Immunomodulation in Transplantation with Photopheresis

Abstract: Photopheresis is a technique in which peripheral blood mononuclear cells, in the presence of a photoacti-vatable compound, are exposed extracorporeally to ultraviolet A light and reinfused, inducing a host autoregula-tory immune response. Experimental work and ongoing clinical studies are helping to define the role of this novel, safe, and non-toxic immunomodulating technology in the field of transplantation.