An open-loop technique to facilitate microtubal anastomoses in the rat

Open-loop suture technique was employed for microvascular anastomoses in the rat to facilitate surgery and to avoid inadvertently catching opposite side vessel walls with the needle. A moderately trained microsurgeon performed carotid and femoral arterial anastomoses, and conventional and open-loop suture techniques were compared. A 100% patency rate was obtained in the open-loop series of 280 end-to-end anastomoses, and this technique was 24 to 25% faster than conventional suturing.