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Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the stapled microvascular anastomosis in the rabbit
W D Boeckx1, O Darius, B van den hof
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium.
Background:
Despite the high percentages of experimental and clinical patency rates achieved using so-called mechanical anastomotic devices (Unilink; 3M, St. Paul, MN; vascular staples) they remain little known and occasionally used.
Methods:
The VCS Auto Suture microstapler technique for microvascular anastomosis was tested experimentally and compared with the conventional "gold standard" 10/0 end-to-end microvascular technique. Thirty carotid arteries on one side of 30 rabbits were stapled using nonpenetrating 0.9-mm (small) VCS Auto Suture microclips, and the other 30 carotid arteries on the other side were sutured in a conventional way with 10/0 monofilament nylon. A 100% patency rate was achieved on both sides. Biopsy was performed in five groups of rabbits at different time intervals postoperatively, and the specimens were examined under scanning electron microscopy.
Results:
All 60 anastomoses were patent. Histomorphologic examination of the anastomotic site revealed no major differences between sutured and stapled groups.
Conclusions:
Stapled microvascular anastomosis technique is fast and reliable.