ABSTRACT
A method for mechanical microvascular end-to-side anastomosis is presented and compared to conventional suture technique. Twenty rabbits
had their facial veins divided from the jugular veins and reanastomosed end-to-side
to the jugular veins, 2 cm cranially to the original bifurcation. The anastomoses
were performed on one side of the neck with the Unilink system and on the other side
with sutures. At sacrifice at two weeks (10 animals) and at 16 weeks (10 animals),
all anastomoses were tested for patency and histologically evaluated. All 40 anastomoses
were fully patent. The time required for completion of a mechanical anastomosis was
on the average one-fourth the time required for suture anastomosis. No thrombus formation
was noted in any of the specimens, but a slight narrowing because of initmal hyperplasia
was noted in the recipient vessels in two mechanical anastomoses. It was demonstrated
that mechanical anastomoses of small veins end-to-side can be performed in a rapid
and safe manner with the Unilink system.
