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Abstract:
A technique for the amputation and immediate reimplantation of rats legs was studied using a microsurgical technique. Complete survival of the reimplanted leg was achieved by basing the blood supply on anastomoses of arteries about 0.4 mm in external diameter. Anastomoses of vessels in that range by interrupted sutures of 10/0 and 11/0 black monofilament nylon proved to be compatible with leg survival. The ultimate survival of the reimplanted limbs depended upon microsurgical technique, preoperative and operative heparinization and external protection during the recovery phase. Animals are alive and using the replanted limb, several months postoperatively.