Use of Foreign Protein in the Treatment of Peripheral Vascular Diseases

The keynote in all the researches on vascular lesions of the extremities in recent years has been conservatism. This is particularly true in the presenile type of gangrene now usually classified as thrombo-angiitis obliterans. The palliative trend has been brought about by the progression or recurrence of this disease over a period of years, necessitating in many cases multiple major amputations, which produce individuals with a comparatively long life expectancy who are a total loss to the community. The fact that this malady is practically limited to males in the prime of life emphasizes the importance of therapeutic measures that permit a restoration of function. Among the pioneers who stressed the importance of conservative treatment in these cases, the names of Meyer 1 and Painter 2 stand out preeminently. Rest, elevation, superheated air, hypodermoclysis with large quantities of Ringer's solution daily, 3 intravenous administration of sodium citrate solution, 4 constrictive