Vascular Coupling System for End-to-End Anastomosis: An In Vivo Pilot Case Report

This paper presents the latest in vivo findings of a novel vascular coupling system. Vascular anastomosis is a common procedure in reconstructive surgeries and traditional hand suturing is very time consuming. The vascular coupling system described herein was designed to be used on arteries for a rapid and error-free anastomosis. The system consists of an engaging ring made from high density polyethylene using computer numerical control machining and a back ring made from polymethylmethacrylate using laser cutting. The vascular coupling system and its corresponding installation tools were tested in a pilot animal study to evaluate their efficacy in completing arterial anastomosis. A segment of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tubing was interposed into a transected carotid artery by anastomosis using two couplers in a pig. Two end-to-end anastomoses were accomplished. Ultrasound images were obtained to evaluate the blood flow at the anastomotic site immediately after the surgery. MRI was also performed 2 weeks after the surgery to evaluate vessel and ePTFE graft patency. This anastomotic system demonstrated high efficacy and easy usability, which should facilitate vascular anastomosis procedures in trauma and reconstructive surgeries.