Butylcyanoacrylate adhesives in microvascular surgery: an experimental pilot study

An investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of the butylcyanoacrylate adhesives (Histoacryl) on vascular tissue. Using a rat femoral artery model, 18 vessels were prepared. End-to-end anastomoses were completed using three stay sutures of 10-0 nylon inserted at 120 degrees intervals around the vessels, followed by direct application of Histoacryl glue. Results showed a patency rate of 73 percent, the vessels being inspected between two and 14 weeks after anastomosis. Histological examination of the vessels showed an early marked foreign body granulomatous response with giant cell formation, and later extreme thinning of the vessel wall, splitting of the elastic lamina, and calcification of the media. It was concluded that the histologic results of butylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesives on the vessel wall preclude their use on human subjects.