Side-to-Side Anastomosis Training Model Using Rat Common Carotid Arteries

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Surgical Training Models
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Side-to-side anastomosis is a challenging bypass technique.
• Limited arterial models exist for practicing this specific bypass.
• Cerebral vascular and neoplastic cases often require this complex configuration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an optimized training model for side-to-side anastomosis.
• Utilize rat common carotid arteries (CCAs) for this model.
• Enhance surgical practice for difficult bypasses.

Main Methods:

• Exposed bilateral CCAs in 10 Sprague-Dawley rats.
• Juxtaposed arteries using temporary aneurysm clips.
• Measured CCA caliber and juxtaposition length; recorded ischemia time and complications.

Main Results:

• Successful anastomosis in all rats; tension-free approximation achieved.
• Mean ischemia time was 35 minutes with an average of 22 sutures.
• Average CCA caliber was 1.1 mm, allowing 10.2 mm juxtaposition.

Conclusions:

• Adequate exposure of cervical CCAs facilitates tension-free side-to-side anastomosis.
• Avoiding surgical complications during exposure prevents animal mortality.
• This model provides a viable practice method for a difficult surgical technique.