Microarterial anastomoses in the rat: the influence of different suture materials on the patency, strength and the electron microscopic appearance of the vessels.

Xomed microsutures have recently become available in this country. Three different suture types (10/0 taper needle, 10/0 MET needle, and 11/0 taper needle) were tested for their effect on the patency and strength of the anastomosis 0, 1, and 3 weeks post-operatively. Scanning electron micrographs of an anastomosis with each of the two 10/0 sutures and of both 10/0 needles were also studied. Another standard 10/0 suture (Ethicon) was photographed for comparison. Patency was not affected by suture type. The 10/0 MET needle produced the strongest anastomosis at the time intervals studied. Breaking-load values were highest in all needles 1 week post-operatively. Electron micrographs of the two 10/0 needles show that the MET point is very much sharper than the taper needles. Electron micrographs of the anastomosis indicated that the MET needle also causes less damage around the suture.