[Experimental microsurgery on submillimetric vessels: technic and results (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Microsurgery Techniques
• Animal Models in Research

Context:

• Submillimetric vascular interventions are crucial for reconstructive surgery.
• Developing proficiency in microsurgery requires extensive practice.
• Rat models offer a viable platform for surgical skill acquisition.

Purpose:

• To report outcomes of 180 submillimetric microvascular procedures.
• To evaluate patency rates of various microvascular anastomoses and repairs.
• To discuss technical aspects of submillimetric microsurgery.

Summary:

• 180 microvascular interventions were performed on rat carotid arteries and jugular veins (0.5-0.8 mm).
• Procedures included end-to-end and end-to-side anastomoses, microsuture, and patch graft repairs.
• A 92% patency rate was observed, increasing to 100% post-training.

Impact:

• Demonstrates the feasibility and high success rate of submillimetric microvascular surgery.
• Provides insights into optimizing micro-instruments, sutures, and clips for delicate procedures.
• Highlights the effectiveness of animal models for mastering advanced microsurgical techniques.