Abstract
A nonsuture anastomotic method for small vascular replacement using a microballoon catheter and plastic adhesive was devised. Various-sized balloon catheters (0.4-2.0 mm in external diameters) were made of latex balloons and polyethylene tube. Both ends of a balloon were fixed to the polyethylene tube so that the size and shape could be controlled more easily than in free-end balloon catheters. Alpha-ethylcyanoacrylate monomer, a plastic adhesive, was used instead of suture. Eleven common carotid and femoral arteries of dogs were used for end-to-end arterial anastomosis by this method. Nine femoral or saphenous veins were used as autogenous vein grafts and eleven expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTFE) grafts as artificial grafts. In follow up studies from 2 days to 6 months, the patency rate of endto-end arterial anastomosis, end-to-end vein grafting, and end-to-end artificial grafting were 90.9%, 88.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. It took about 5 minutes for end-to-end arterial anastomosis and about 10 to 15 minutes for vascular replacement. One or two stay sutures were used effectively in autogenous vein grafting. The advantages of this method were good and free control of the vascular caliber and shape during vascular anastomosis and a diminishment of endothelial damage. Clinical application of this method of vascular replacement is expected in the near future.
