The ring technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis

The ring technique for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis employs a resorbable polyglycolic acid ring to prevent stenosis and spasm at the anastomotic site. In 20 rats, the ring technique was compared with the conventional technique for constructing end-to-side anastomoses between the femoral (0.9-1.1 mm) and superficial epigastric (0.3-0.4 mm) arteries. The ring technique proved superior to the conventional end-to-side technique both in speed of execution and in patency at 3-4 weeks (100% vs 70%). Grossly and microscopically, the ring was completely resorbed at 3 wk.