Evaluation of Anastomosis Efficiency in Arteriovenous Shunts Created by Using Hand-Sewn Microsurgery and Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler Device.

[OBJECTIVE] Microsurgery has made great contributions to the advancement of surgery. In parallel with the developments in microsurgery, various techniques have been developed to perfect the technique. Microvascular anastomotic coupler device (MACD) is one of these techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anastomoses created by using hand-sewn microsurgery (HSM) and MACD.

[METHODS] Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were divided into 2 groups randomly. Arteriovenous shunt was performed between carotid artery and internal jugular vein with the principles of HSM in the first group (n=10) and by using the 1-mm anastomotic microvascular device in the second group (n=10). Groups were evaluated for anastomose time, success of anastomosis, thrombosis formation, color Doppler ultrasonography, and histopathological features.

[RESULTS] Anastomotic time was faster with the coupler device compared with HSM technique. Flow rates were found significantly higher in the MACD group. Endothelialization and wall integrity rates were better in MACD group.

[CONCLUSIONS] Microvascular anastomotic coupler device is faster than HSM. High quality and durability of vascularization, insignificant foreign body reactions are histopathological advantages of MACD.