[Experimental arterial microsutures. Evaluation of the risks of thrombosis using technetium 99-labeled heparin]

Following demonstration of a method of assay of circulation heparin by measurement of radioactivity after labelling with 99 m technetium, the technique was used to study effects of arterial microsuture on metabolism of heparin injected postoperatively. Results of a study involving rat aorta showed that local binding was maximum during the first half-hour and that abnormal consumption of heparin continued during the 6 hours following operation. These finding suggest that a risk of thrombosis probably persists throughout this postoperative period.