Experimental study on microvascular anastomosis using a dissolvable stent support in the lumen.

A new method for microvascular anastomosis was developed and compared with conventional techniques, using the rabbit femoral artery. A dissolvable stent biomaterial was placed in the lumen to expose the vessel walls clearly, so that the quality of anastomosis could be improved. The results showed no significant difference in immediate and late patency rates between the methods, but the use of the stent resulted in faster repair, less dilation at the anastomosis, and less narrowing of the distal segments, causing apparently minor hemodynamic disturbance, with increased blood flow distally. Minor damage to the vessel walls and rapid healing of the wound were verified by histologic evaluation.