J Reconstr Microsurg 2009; 25(1): 069-076
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1104556
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Evaluation of a Novel Reverse Thermosensitive Polymer for Use in Microvascular Surgery

Jeffrey V. Manchio1 , 3 , C. Robert Litchfield1 , Ron Zeheb2 , David J. Bryan1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts
  • 2Department of Pathology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, Massachusetts
  • 3Department Surgery, Section of General Surgery, Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 December 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Microvascular clamps have several potential shortcomings, including the risk of vessel injury. LeGoo™, a novel reverse thermosensitive polymer (Pluromed Inc., Woburn, MA), is investigated as a substitute to vascular clamping in a microsurgical model and the technical details are described. Femoral vessels of Sprague Dawley rats were used to evaluate the usefulness of this polymer for performing end-to-end arterioarterial (AA), venovenous (VV), and end-to-side arteriovenous (AV) microvascular anastomoses. The ability to obtain and maintain hemostasis was assessed. Secondary endpoints, including polymer volume, concentration, temperature, infusion technique, ability to reinfuse, blood vessel stenting effect, polymer dissolution characteristics, and reestablishment of flow, were also noted. Initial hemostasis occurred in every case. Mean duration of efficacy (hemostasis) after initial injection was 17.8 minutes (4 minutes to 44.5 minutes) for AA anastomoses and 31.8 minutes (13 minutes to 46 minutes) for VV anastomoses. Mean volume of polymer initially injected was 0.11 mL (0.01 mL to 0.20 mL) and 0.07 mL (0.06 mL to 0.10 mL) for AA and AV arteries, respectively, and 0.14 mL (0.10 mL to 0.20 mL) and 0.20 mL (0.15 mL to 0.27 mL) for VV and AV veins. Use of LeGoo in veins was clearly superior to arterial use with regard to the technical aspects of injecting LeGoo and reestablishing hemostasis, as well as greater vessel stenting effect and less vessel retraction. This novel polymer showed promise for its ability to allow for hemostasis while performing microvascular anastomoses. Improvements were made with regard to injection techniques, appropriate volumes, ability to reliably determine gel plug dissolution, and final vessel patency. Preliminary results demonstrate that this polymer may be a viable substitute for microvascular clamps.

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David J BryanM.D. F.A.C.S. 

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Lahey Clinic

41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805

Email: david.j.bryan@lahey.org

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