Abstract
Experiments have been conducted to ascertain (1) what metal causes the greatest amount of blood clotting in vivo, and (2) to note the difference between and results in the so-called “wiring with electrolysis” and the non-electrolytic methods commonly employed in the treatment of aneurysms.
Ten different wires were used; namely, aluminum, bronze, copper, dental alloy, German silver, gold, piano wire, silver, pliable steel, and zinc. A small piece of each of these wires was inserted in the aorta of a cat and allowed to remain for 7 days. The animal was then killed and examined.
Zinc containing less than 0.1% lead, 0.01% iron, and 0.002% cadmium always produced clotting and was found to be the best metal for this purpose. Copper and its alloys produced clotting but to a much less degree, and steel and silver appeared to exert the least influence. Gold, aluminum, and platinum would seem to produce practically no clotting.
It was seen that the Moore-Corradi method as practiced surgically with a current of 50 ma. is apparently detrimental in both its immediate and its later effects to the strength of the vessel wall. Evidence points to the fact that such a procedure tends to weaken rather than to strengthen the vessel wall. The low current (10 to 12 ma. for 60 minutes) also causes some burning of the vessel wall. The amount of clotting produced by a low current of the strength commonly used in human surgery (10 to 12 ma. for 1 hour) is no greater than that produced by a similar wire placed without current in the freely running blood stream. The dangers of embolus formation are great.
All in all, however, it would seem that the wiring of aneurysms, although at all times a dangerous procedure, may be developed into a useful therapeutic measure.
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