Rapid arterial anastomosis with titanium clips

BACKGROUND: The obvious advantages of rapid arterial anastomoses have prompted the continuing search for more rapid anastomotic techniques to complement the standard sutured anastomosis. Nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged titanium vascular closure staple (VCS) clips were initially developed for microvascular anastonaoses. The purpose of this study was to compare VCS clips with sutured arterial end-to-end anastomosis in larger vessels. METHODS: In 6 pigs, transacted iliac arteries were reanastomosed with VCS clips on one side and continuous 6-0 polypropylene suture on the other. RESULTS: The reconstruction time was 8.4 +/- 5.2 minutes for clip closure and 12.0 +/- 6.6 minutes for suture closure (P = 0.033). All vessels were patent half an hour after completing the anastomoses with tao signs of early thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: Arterial end-to-end anastomosis can be performed more rapidly with VCS clips than continuous sutures, and are potentially useful in situations where the clamp time of the vessel is critical. (C) 1998 by Excerpta Medics, Inc.