The "wrap-around" end-to-side anastomosis for micro-vessels

A new technique of end-to-side microvascular anastomosis is described. Using the rat groin flap model this technique was used to anastomose the superficial epigastric artery to the femoral artery. It proved successful with a 100% patency rate in 15 successive animals. Three flaps developed complications unrelated to the anastomosis which necessitated termination of the experiment after 3 days, but the remaining 12 anastomoses were functioning well when examined after 4 weeks.