A hemodynamic evaluation of cuffed microarteriorrhaphy.

A cuffing technique and a standard interrupted suturing technique of microarteriorrhaphy were compared in the rat femoral artery. The comparison was based on hemodynamic variables, which were measured by 20-MHz pulsed ultrasound Doppler velocity meter (PUDVM) method. The hemodynamic variables included measured blood velocity and vessel lumen diameters, and calculated volumetric flows. Measurements were completed at 5-, 10-, and 20-minute intervals after vessel repair. Data from 26 experimental animals were suitable for analysis, with 15 animals in the standard repair group and 11 animals in the cuffed group. All variables were statistically similar prior to the surgical procedure, indicating that the study groups were appropriate for comparison. The measured lumen diameters were not statistically different at any time interval (P = .06). However, the velocities and the volumetric flow were statistically different (P less than .05) between groups at all time intervals. These values returned toward normal preoperative values over time. The cuffing technique used in this study was not as efficacious as the standard technique of microarteriorrhaphy, when evaluated by 20-MHz PUDVM-derived hemodynamic criteria.