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Published on: May 26, 2023
New microvascular anastomotic ring-coupling device using negative pressure.
Kazufumi Tachi1, Katsuko S Furukawa, Isao Koshima
1Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Summary
A new microvascular anastomotic ring device uses negative pressure for atraumatic vessel wall fixation, avoiding permanent metallic pins. This novel device shows promise for improved microvascular surgery outcomes in rat models.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Vascular Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Current Unilink devices for microvascular anastomoses have limitations, including permanent metallic pins and manual vessel wall attachment.
- These drawbacks hinder the development of next-generation anastomotic devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and test a novel microvascular anastomotic ring device.
- To utilize negative pressure for atraumatic, semiautomatic vessel wall fixation.
- To overcome the limitations of existing metallic pin devices.
Main Methods:
- Device design using 3D-CAD software and laser lithography construction.
- In vivo testing in rat femoral veins (n=8).
- Patency examination at 2 weeks post-implantation via microscopy (light and scanning electron).
Main Results:
- Seven out of eight devices were successfully implanted.
- Six of the seven anastomosed veins remained patent at 2 weeks.
- Patent anastomoses showed complete endothelialization and no thrombus formation.
Conclusions:
- A novel microvascular anastomotic ring device was successfully designed and tested.
- The device uses negative pressure for semiautomatic vessel fixation, eliminating the need for metallic pins.
- This approach offers a promising alternative for microvascular anastomoses.
