The UNILINK instrument system for fast and safe microvascular anastomosis.

A new instrument system for fast and safe mechanical microvascular anastomosis is presented. It can be used for both end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis of small arteries and veins and has the potential for use in other small tubular structures. With moderate training, the surgeon can perform the full microvascular anastomosis within 2 to 3 minutes. The device has proved successful in animal studies and in the clinic, with overall patency rates of about 98% in both arteries and veins.