A technical and biomechanical comparison between two types of microvascular anastomoses. An experimental study in rats.

The microvascular sleeve anastomosis, where one vessel is inserted into the other, was compared with the conventional end to end anastomosis. In an experimental study in rat femoral arteries 42 anastomoses of each kind were examined. Operating time, patency rates, flow rates and strength of the anastomoses were recorded at various postoperative time intervals. It is concluded that the sleeve anastomosis is quicker to perform and that the two types of anastomoses in biomechanical respects are similar. Flow rates are slightly decreased immediately postoperatively in the sleeve anastomosis but this is of a temporary nature.