Efficacy of acrylate tissue adhesive as vascular repair and hemostatic material.

The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of utilizing n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) tissue adhesive glue as a vascular repair and hemostatic material in the closure of vascular wounds using a prospective, animal-based design. The study was performed on the carotid arteries of 22 goats. The experiment was performed on bilateral carotid arteries (44 procedures). In each animal, both carotid arteries were opened by a procedure simulating carotid endarterectomy. On one side, the repair material was conventional sutures; on the other side, NBCA tissue glue was utilized. The main outcome measures were duration of total flow arrest (clamping time), duration of time from start of arterial repair to complete hemostasis after clip removal (repair time), any additional stitches required after repairing either by stitch or by NBCA, and hematoxylin and eosin histopathology preparations. Forty-four simulated carotid endarterectomy and repair procedures were performed in 22 adult goats. The average repair time on the stitch side was 437 sec and on the NBCA side, 169 sec (P < 0.001). The average clamping time on the stitch side was 716 sec and on the NBCA side, 477 sec (P < 0.001). Macroscopic pathological study did not reveal any significant luminal stenosis. Foreign body microscopic changes were similarly present in both the NBCA and stitch groups, with no significant difference. This is a prospective animal-based controlled study looking into the efficacy of NBCA tissue glue as a material for arterial repair in comparison to classical suture repair. NBCA tissue adhesive glue may be of value especially when fast control of bleeding is required.