Sutureless anastomoses of small and medium sized vessels by medical adhesive.

Abstract

Using an animal model we have assessed sutureless anastomoses. The two cut ends of the rabbit common carotid artery were sutured by three stitches with a 120 degrees interval circumferentially, then two optional threads were pulled horizontally and 0.1 ml adhesive was smeared on the attached surface of the two ends. The three stitches were removed after completion of anastomosis. The burst pressure of the anastomosis was measured and compared with that of a traditional sutured artery. The glued anastomosis was associated with: a shorter completion time (8.25+/-6.34 min vs. 20.67+/-14.24 min, P<0.01), less bleeding (3.17+/-9.04 ml vs. 11.04+/-16.28 ml, P<0.01), and equivalent patency (93.8 vs. 87.5%, P>0.05). The sutureless anastomosis was associated with less intimal thickening (decreased by 31.4, 24.5, 23.9 and 31.9%, P<0.01 compared with the traditional suture group at 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks, respectively). Glued anastomoses provides an effective, simple and feasible way for anastomosing small or medium caliber vessels. This technique may reduce intimal injury.