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Updated: May 21, 2026
Evaluation of a Novel Laser-assisted Coronary Anastomotic Connector - the Trinity Clip - in a Porcine Off-pump Bypass Model
Published on: November 24, 2014
A new nonocclusive laser-assisted coronary anastomotic connector in a rabbit model
David Stecher1, Bart de Boer2, Cornelis A F Tulleken2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Objective:
The Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomotic technique is a nonocclusive, facilitated bypass technique that is currently Conformité Européenne and Food and Drug Administration approved for clinical application in neurosurgery. In the present study, we assessed the safety and feasibility of a newly developed Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis-based prototype coronary anastomotic connector in an acute rabbit abdominal aortic bypass model before application in experimental coronary bypass surgery. In addition, 2 sealants were tested to facilitate anastomotic hemostasis in the current device prototype.
Methods:
A total of 40 anastomoses were constructed on the abdominal aorta (3.5 mm outer diameter) of 10 rabbits. The anastomotic circumference was sealed by a surgical sealant to obtain complete hemostasis (BioGlue vs TachoSil). The anastomoses were evaluated by flow measurements construction time, hemostasis, histologic analysis, and burst pressure testing.
Results:
The connector enabled a nonocclusive and fast (6.0 ± 1.7 minutes, mean ± SD [including sealing]) anastomosis construction and complete hemostasis in 95% (35/37). Sealing with BioGlue was faster than with TachoSil (19% vs 53% of construction time). Despite technical imperfections (7/40 failures to completely retrieve the flap by the laser), all 40 anastomoses were patent, showed reproducible construction with intima-adventitia apposition, streamlining thrombus coverage of the intraluminal laser rim, and no vessel wall damage. All anastomoses resisted ex vivo supraphysiologic pressures (> 300 mm Hg).
Conclusions:
The results of the present study have demonstrated that the Excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomotic connector is safe and reliable and can be efficiently applied in an acute rabbit abdominal aortic bypass model. Provided the limitations can be addressed, this easy-to-use and nonocclusive technique has the potential to facilitate minimally invasive coronary bypass surgery.
