The vascular anastomosis originally developed by Alexis Carrel used interrupted sutures. Over time this was replaced by a continuous suture technique which was felt to be quicker and had similar patency rates. However, microvascular, paediatric and neurovascular surgeons have shown that there are advantages to an interrupted technique. (Hattori H, Killen DA, Green JW. Influence of suture material and technic on patency of anastomosed arteries of less than 1.5mm. Am Surg. 1970; 36: 352 - 354. Cobbett JR. Microvascular surgery. Surg Clin N Am. 1962; 47: 521.). The reasons for the improved patency with interrupted anastomoses are firstly increased anastomotic compliance and flow rate and secondly elimination of the pursestring effect and puckering seen with continuous sutures.