Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the stapled microvascular anastomosis in the rabbit.
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.
Boeckx
W D
WD
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium.
Darius
O
O
van den hof
B
B
van Holder
C
C
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000818:Animals; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000601:surgery / Q000648:ultrastructure; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008866:Microsurgery; D011817:Rabbits; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000009:adverse effects; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects