Application of the 3M Microvascular Anastomotic Device in Non-Vascular Tubular Structures

ABSTRACT

In this study, the 3M microvascular anastomotic system was utilized for the first time to perform an end-to-end anastomosis in a non-vascular tubular structure, which was compared to the conventional micro-vascular suture method. The bicornuate rat uterus was the preferred structure because of its anatomic similarity to the human fallopian tube. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 3M and conventional end-to-end anastomoses of their bicornuate uteri. At different intervals, the animals were explored and biopsies were taken for examination under light microscopy. Overall patency rate with the 3M technique was 68 percent vs. 96 percent with the conventional technique. Complication rates were 40 percent with the 3M device and 12 percent with the conventional method. This study concludes that, if this method is to be used on non-vascular tubular structures, further modifications to the system and additional research are mandatory, in order to recommend this technique for clinical application.