Microvascular Anastomosis of Interpositional Vein Grafts with the Unilink System: A Comparative Experimental Study

Abstract

Vein segments from the posterior facial vein of the rabbit were surgically isolated and re-anastomosed, either by manual suture technique or by the use of a new mechanical anastomotic device, the UNILINK apparatus. The purpose of the study was to compare anastomotic patency and time required for an orthotopic vein grafting procedure, when the two techniques were used. In the grafts anastomosed with the UNILINK technique, both clinical and histological evaluation showed 100% patency, while 20% of the sutured grafts showed impaired flow as a result of occlusive thrombosis. When the mechanical device was used, the full procedure was completed within one third of the time, as compared to suture anastomoses.

Abdominal radical trachelectomy: a new surgical technique for the conservative management of cervical carcinoma

“…The 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic Device has been tested extensively in animals and humans 7–14 . We ourselves originally tested it by re‐anastomosing the inferior cava and aorta of a rat.…”

An absorbable pinned-ring device for microvascular anastomosis of vein grafts: Experimental studies

“…4,6,7 The mechanism leading to medial atrophy was thought to be arterial pressure against the rings. Berggren et al 4 have reported that the thickness of vessel wall was reduced to 10-20% of normal at the 16th week, and that vessel continuity was maintained just by intimal thickening Figure 6.…”

“…However, the rigid polyethylene rings remained permanently at the anastomotic site, leading to atrophy of the vessel wall. 4,6,7 To resolve this problem, we developed the absorbable pinned-ring device in 1991, and the anastomotic process was designed to be performed only by one person.…”

Delayed removal of 3M® vein coupler does not disturb the anastomosis

“…1,2 Unlike hand-sewn anastomoses, however, coupled veins require the implantation of a polyethylene/stainless steel device that may cause complications that are independent of vascular patency. For example, some patients have complained that the devices are annoying when palpable under the skin.…”