End-to-end anastomosis in growing vessels using a novel suturing technique: VCS metallic staples.
For pediatric transplants, a suturing technique is needed that allows the vessel to grow along with better healing of the anastomosis, through eliminating exogenous and thrombogenic material in the intimal side, thus minimizing the risk of vascular stenosis. In this study, 12 55-day-old lambs were subjected to end-to-end anastomosis of the right carotid artery and external jugular vein using vascular closure staple (VCS) clips (the vessels from the left side served as controls). Animals were followed up with duplex ultrasound. After 6 months, angiography was performed and animals were euthanized for microscopic study of the vessels. Duplex ultrasonography and angiography showed all vessels to be patent, with no flow disturbances and no stenosis at the anastomotic site at 6 months. Stenotic segments caudal to the anastomosis site were seen in two veins. No significant changes were seen macroscopically in any of the veins, whereas one of the arteries developed a pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic site. Histological structure was normal in all the studied veins. Arteries showed different degrees of modifications that did not affect patency or flow in any case. Measurements taken after 6 months confirm that this technique allows the vessel to grow. This technique may be useful in vascular pediatric surgery.