title: A new microsurgical research model using Thiel-embalmed arteries and comparison of two suture techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the utility of the Thiel arterial model in microsurgical research, we compared interrupted horizontal mattress (HM) sutures to simple interrupted (SI) sutures in human vessels.
  
  
  METHODS
  A microsurgical set-up using an operating microscope and Thiel-embalmed arteries was used to practice ten SI and HM anastomoses. Vessel patency, leak and stricture were evaluated using angiography, and vessel wall architecture was evaluated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The technique speed was also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We have successfully evaluated all outcomes. All anastomoses were patent. The stricture rate was higher with HM than with SI (60% vs. 35% surface area reduction). Three minor leaks occurred with HM sutures versus one with SI sutures. Edges were evenly everted without any intimal flaps with HM compared to SI. The anastomoses were performed faster using HM than SI sutures (7:58 min vs. 12:41 min, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a Thiel-embalmed artery model for research purposes. The HM microvascular suture is a promising technique that requires further in vivo validation.
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors: Andrei
authors: A
authors: Odobescu
authors: Department of Surgery, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors: Sami P
authors: SP
authors: Moubayed
authors: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Notre-Dame Hospital, University of Montréal Hospital Center (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors: Patrick G
authors: PG
authors: Harris
authors: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Notre-Dame Hospital, University of Montréal Hospital Center (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Bou-Merhi
authors: Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors: Eugene
authors: E
authors: Daniels
authors: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Notre-Dame Hospital, University of Montréal Hospital Center (CHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada. Electronic address: michel.alain.danino@umontreal.ca.
authors: Michel Alain
authors: MA
authors: Danino
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods; D057868:Anastomotic Leak / Q000209:etiology; D035843:Biomedical Research; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D002102:Cadaver; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology; D004615:Embalming; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D061646:Operative Time; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods
keywords: Horizontal mattress; Microsurgery; Research model; Simple interrupted; Thiel