A microvascular anastomotic device: Part i. a hemodynamic evaluation in rabbit femoral arteries and veins

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Abstract
This study quantitatively assesses the hemodynamic consequences of inserting a 1.5‐mm polyethylene anastomotic device in both small arteries and veins. The device was placed in 20 rabbit femoral arteries and 20 femoral veins. Using 20‐MHz pulsed ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry techniques, blood flow was measured in 5 immediate postoperative intervals and at the 24‐hour and 3‐week postoperative intervals. In arteries, volumetric flow (Q) was not statistically different in any postoperative interval; maximum spatial velocity (Vmax) was significantly increased in the immediate postoperative intervals but was not different at 24 hours or 3 weeks. In veins, significant decreases in Q and increases in Vmax occurred in the immediate postoperative intervals, but differences were not noted at the 24‐hour or 3‐week intervals. The results of this study indicate that the hemodynamic consequences of anastomosing small vessels with a polyethylene device are minimal and that this mechanical technique is an effective method for experimental microvascular repairs.