title: Experimental study of aortic anastomosis using a circular stapling device in the porcine model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the strength (pressure resistance) and histological findings of aortic anastomoses performed using a circular stapling device.
  
  
  METHODS
  A circular stapling device was used for anastomosing a porcine aorta and a Dacron graft. The maximum pressure resistance of the anastomotic site of a porcine aortic specimen and a Dacron graft was examined (n=10). A porcine aorta with Dacron graft was anastomosed to a beating heart, and pressure overload was induced by adrenaline (n=5). Specimens of the anastomotic sites were harvested after 14 days and examined histologically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The maximum pressure resistance of the anastomotic site was 427.3+/-34.4 (375-511) mmHg. No anastomotic sites leaked as a result of pressure overloading at 227.6+/-21.1 (201-260) mmHg. Histologically, good incorporation and cell coverage were observed, and the inner surfaces of the anastomotic sites were smooth and without stenoses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aortic anastomosis using a circular stapling device is feasible and worthy of further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of General and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan. kouichiyojp@yahoo.co.jp
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshida
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ohtake
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kimura
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Watanabe
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D001011:Aorta / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D023421:Models, Animal; D013528:Surgical Staplers; D013552:Swine; D014655:Vascular Resistance
chemical_list: D004837:Epinephrine