Fibrin sealants in microvascular surgery: current status

During the last two decades, advances in fibrin sealant formulation have resulted in its investigational and clinical use in various surgical endeavors, including microvascular surgery. Several investigations have comparatively evaluated fibrin adhesive-enhanced microvascular anastomoses vs. conventional suture repair. The purpose of this review is to summarize the collective documentation on fibrin adhesives in microvascular surgery on the basis of the scientific performance parameters of vessel patency, bursting strength, anastomotic competence, and reendothelialization. In addition, other applications of fibrin sealants and other qualities unique to fibrin adhesives are addressed.