Evaluation of a new vascular suture system for aortic laparoscopic surgery: an experimental study on pigs and cadavers.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a new laparoscopic vascular suturing device. Animal study: six pigs underwent surgery using a retroperitoneal laparoscopic approach. Aorto-prosthetic side-to-end and end-to-end anastomoses were performed laparoscopically on each pig using SuDyn. Clamping and anastomosis times, as well as the properties of the anastomoses, were recorded. Study on cadavers: four aorto-prosthetic end-to-end anastomoses were performed using the direct transperitoneal laparoscopic approach to assess the feasibility of the SuDyn device on atherosclerotic aortas. Animal study: No pigs died and 12 patent and impermeable anastomoses were obtained. Mean anastomosis time was 38(+/-8)min for end-to-side anastomoses and 37(+/-5)min for end-to-end anastomoses. Study on cadavers: Totally laparoscopic anastomoses were performed in 4 human cadavers with a mean anastomosis time of 37(+/-3)min. SuDyn makes laparoscopic aorto-prosthetic anastomoses easier to perform, produces good results and does not require a learning curve.