RESUMO
PURPOSE: Established hemostatic devices can injure vessel wall integrity. LeGoo (Pluromed, Woburn, MA), a novel poloxamer gel with reverse thermosensitive properties, is a new device for temporary occlusion of blood vessels. The present study investigated the effects of LeGoo on vascular function and morphology. DESCRIPTION: The distal end of the human internal thoracic artery was used to assess vascular function of LeGoo-applied segments in organ bath experiments and by scanning electron microscopy. EVALUATION: After LeGoo application, both maximal contractile responses to noradrenaline and endothelium-dependent relaxant responses to acetylcholine were significantly reduced. Scanning electron microscopy showed areas of injured endothelium with exposure of subendothelial structures being in line with the functional changes. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggested that application of LeGoo induced significant endothelial injury and deterioration of the smooth muscle in human internal thoracic arteries.