Abstract
We have developed a new compliant suture (CS), made of segmented polyester, to improve the patency of small caliber arterial anastomosis. We evaluated its mechanical properties and usefulness by in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro experiments, 1) CS was a monofilament and had proper elasticity; 2) its pattern of stress-strain curve, markedly different from those of such sutures as polypropylene (PP), PDS and nylon, was similar to that of natural arteries; 3) CS was much stronger than PP; 4) durability of CS was much better than that of PP. In vivo experiments, 5) preserving rate of anastomotic compliance with CS, 92.2±6.6%, was significantly higher than that with PP, 62.7±9.1%; 6) in light and electron microscopy, CS had almost no foreign body reaction or tissue reaction, and CS showed no intimal hyperplasia 6 months after anastomosis. Therefore, it was concluded that CS was very useful to small caliber arterial anastomosis.
