[A new method of microvascular anastomosis: clips with a soluble stent]

In this study, we investigated a new method of microvascular anastomosis using titanium clips combined with a soluble intraluminal stent. This method was used to perform anastomoses of the common carotid artery in five NZW rabbits and the abdominal aorta in five rabbits. Five rabbits ears were isolated on their central vascular pedicles. The central ear artery was transected and anastomosed using the stent/clip technique. In five carotid arteries, a conventional sutured anastomosis was performed. All anastomoses were patent at POD 1, 7 and 21. The average time to perform stent/clip anastomoses was significantly (p < 0.001) shorter than conventional sutured anastomoses (2.5 min vs. 9 min). There was no observable side effect from the stent material and no evidence of peripheral emboli. The stent/clip technique is an easy, fast and safe method of microvascular anastomosis.