Use of the 3M precise microvascular anastomotic system in hand surgery

The results of a two-center clinical study on the use of the 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic System in microvascular procedures for hand trauma are presented. Since November 1992, 17 patients (age range, 18-76 years) have received an end-to-end vascular anastomosis using this device. All patients had vascular trauma or amputation requiring replantation or revascularization procedures. The diameter of the anastomosed vessels varied between 1 and 2 mm. Sixteen of the 17 anastomoses were at the level of or distal to the superficial arterial arch of the hand, with 5 anastomoses as distal as the distal interphalangeal joints. No early thromboses were observed in the postoperative period, and all operations were successful with regard to tissue survival and wound healing. Patency and quality of the blood flow at the site of repair were evaluated by means of Doppler ultrasound investigations. In a few cases, angiography was used to confirm patency of the device.