Side-to-Side Microvascular Anastomosis Using Rat Cervical Vessels

Side-to-side anastomosis is the most challenging anastomosis owing to the difficult intraluminal suturing technique, which requires practice in the microsurgical laboratory before application in patients in the operating room. The objective of this study was to describe 2 side-to-side microvascular anastomosis training models using rat cervical vessels.

Two side-to-side microvascular anastomosis training models, one with rat cervical vessels between bilateral common carotid arteries (CCAs) (CCA-CCA anastomosis) and one with a unilateral CCA and the anterior facial vein of the external jugular vein (EJV) (CCA-EJV anastomosis), were studied. Diameters of CCA and anterior facial vein, distances between temporary clips and length of arteriotomies, and vascular clipping time were recorded. Patency rates were evaluated immediately and 7 days after the procedure.

Diameters of CCA and anterior facial vein were 1.00-1.20 mm and 1.40-1.80 mm, respectively. A segment of vessel slightly longer than the arteriotomy or venotomy was temporarily clipped; mean lengths between temporary clips in CCA-CCA anastomosis and CCA-EJV anastomosis of 6.48 ± 0.66 mm and 8.02 ± 0.45 mm, respectively, were used in the study. The minimum distance between the corner of the arteriotomy or venotomy and the clip was 1 mm. The mean vascular temporary clipping times in CCA-CCA anastomosis and CCA-EJV anastomosis were 40.05 ± 3.92 minutes and 42.50 ± 4.82 minutes, respectively. Patency rates of 100% were achieved in all anastomoses.

CCA-CCA and CCA-EJV side-to-side anastomosis models using rat cervical vessels are feasible and effective side-to-side anastomosis training models.