Previous work in this series has shown the superior water-resisting properties and minimum foreign body reactions of the anomalous rubber-like poly (vinyl alcohol) gel. Animal experiments described in this paper establish the facts that the hydrogel prevents postoperative synechia of knee joint, and also well performs in attempts at pericardial substitute in open heart surgery. In 35 adult animals (dogs and rahbits), the hydrogel membranes were either interposed (between articular surfaces) or sutured (to pericardial defects, chest walls, and mesenteries).Examination of specimens, exiced on 7〜540 days after implanation, shows no adhesion.Moreover, the regeneration of benign cartilage prevails on articular surfaces. On the contrary, autogeneous fascia lata and expanded poly (tetrafluorcethylene) has caused inevitable adhesion.
