Sutureless open vascular anastomosis connector: An experimental study

The objective of this study was to assess the safety of a new developed sutureless vascular adapter system in a porcine model. In five pigs, 4-cm-long polyester prosthesis (6 mm diameter) were implanted and anastomosed with the newly developed adapter proximally and suture anastomosis distally. The integration of the adapter was investigated in comparison to the suture anastomosis. These investigations were performed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Median operative time for performing the adapter anastomosis was significantly shorter compared to suture anastomosis (66 s vs. 246 s, p < 0.05). Median estimated blood loss during adapter anastomosis implementation was 22.5 mL (range 19.0-25.0 mL) compared to 48.2 mL (range 45.4-63.5 mL, p < 0.05). In five hand-sewn anastomoses, overall eight additional stitches were necessary whereas all adapter anastomoses showed primary leak tightness. This in vivo study shows the technical feasibility of the newly developed adapter.