The short-term results of internal carotid reconstructions by absorbable suture material.

Analysis was made of the results of 11 internal carotid reconstructions using polydioxanone (PDS) sutures 6 months after intervention performed in 10 patients. All operations on the carotid bifurcation were accomplished using 5/0 PDS continuous suture. Nine eversion carotid endarterectomies and 2 internal carotid reconstructions were performed for Kinkiking. There were no neurologic complications, thromboses, bleedings or repeated operations after interventions on the brachiocephalic arteries. Six months later the patients were examined under ambulatory conditions and were provided color duplex scanning (CDS) of the reconstructed area. Measurements were made of the diameter of the common carotid artery (CCA) right beneath the anastomosis between the CCA and the internal carotid artery (ICA), of the maximal diameter of the anastomosis between the CCA and the ICA, and of the size of the proximal ICA segment right the anastomosis. During the 6-month period following surgical intervention, all 10 patients did not demonstrate any ischemic attacks (TIA) or strokes. No cases of anastomotic aneurysms were recorded. After 9 reconstructions no ICA restenoses were marked. In one case, restenosis accounted for 40% because of atherosclerosis progression and after one operation there developed asymptomatic thrombosis of the ICA. The study has demonstrated that the use of PBS absorbable suture for autoarterial ICA reconstruction provides for anastomosis integrity minimally over the period as long as 6 months.