Evaluation of a poly(L-lactic acid) stent for sutureless vascular anastomosis.

We have developed a sutureless anastomosis device consisting of a biodegradable stent and stainless steel band for end-to-end anastomosis. The aim of this acute phase study was to evaluate the feasibility of a sutureless anastomotic procedure with a bioabsorbable stent during a 4-week period in a swine model. The porcine infrarenal aorta was replaced with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft. A proximal anastomosis was completed using a sutureless anastomotic procedure employing a bioabsorbable stent made of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and a stainless steel plate. A distal anastomosis completed by manual suturing served as a control. At 4 weeks after surgery, angiography was performed. The animals were then killed, and the specimens were evaluated histologically. The sutureless anastomotic procedure required significantly less time than the suturing technique. Angiograms showed patency of the grafts, and no signs of either stenosis or leakage. Both pressure-proof and tensile tests confirmed the adequate mechanical strength of the anastomoses. Sutureless anastomosis with a PLLA stent appears to be feasible, at least within an observation period of 4 weeks. This simple procedure shortened the time of surgery and would contribute to reducing the risks of operation-related complications.