In this paper the authors present a new type of microvascular anastomosis to overcome
two major inconveniences in microsurgery: ``flow discrepancy'' and vessel size discrepancy
between the donor and the recipient vessels. A Y-shaped anastomosis is an end-to-end
anastomosis between three vessels: two small ones on one side and a larger vessel
on the opposite site. Both arterial and venous anastomoses can be performed in this
way. The blood flow can go across the anastomosis in both directions. Hemodynamically,
this increases the blood output through the anastomosed vessels. The surgical technique
and main clinical applications of the Y anastomosis are described in detail. Indications
and advantages are discussed.
Y anastomosis - end-to-end anastomosis - three vessels