Subscribe to RSS
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006454
© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
Use of a Micropunch for Arteriotomy in End-to-Side Anastomosis
Publication History
Accepted for publication 1995
Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/jrm/199601/lookinside/thumbnails/10.1055-s-2007-1006454-1.jpg)
ABSTRACT
A micropunch can mechanically create a precise, clean microarteriotomy that is a simple and perhaps more accurate method, especially in atherosclerotic vessels where plaque or the risk of intimal dissection may sometimes interfere with conventional incision or excision techniques. A 1.5-mm. prototype micropunch was tested in seven Sprague-Dawley rats to create an end-to-side femoral vein to artery fistula, with a traditional traction suture method used on the contralateral side as a control. All anastomoses were patent immediately and at 2 weeks, implying no compromise, even in small vessels, by using a micropunch. However, the technique had to be modified, as the 1.5-mm anvil could not be inserted directly into the vessel lumen because of the small size of the rat femoral artery. This indicates a significant limitation of this device for use in vessels with an internal diameter less than that of the chosen anvil size.