Microanastomotic response to needle and suture size

This study was performed to examine the microanastomotic response to needle and suture size, comparing the 10-0 (75 mu needle/22 mu suture), the 11-0 (50 mu needle/18 mu suture), and a new modified 11-0 which has a 30 mu needle and a 14 mu suture. Each artery received five full thickness sutures of either suture. The vessels were harvested at 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and checked for patency, aneurysm formation, and gross strength. Histologic slides and scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were made at 7, 21, and 28 days postoperatively. The 11-0 with the 30 mu needle gave better patency rates, less incidence of aneurysm formation, and as good or better recovery in gross strength, when compared with the 10-0 75 mu needle. Histologically and by SEM, the 11-0 with the 30 mu needle was far superior to the other two larger sized sutures, showing less trauma and inflammation. The use of the modified 11-0 suture with the 30 mu needle is advantageous in anastomosis of vessels 1 mm or smaller.