The thermic vascular anastomosis (TVA). A new nonsuture method. I. History, instruments, and microsurgical technique.

In order to unite blood vessels in a split second during a total clamping time of less than three minutes a new microsurgical technique has been developed. Heat from a frequency electric current applied to calibrated metal loops unites the cuffs of the vessel ends instead of sutures. As a model for vascular anastomoses the new technique was used in an experiment with 320 rats. Two energy output adjustments of the power source combined with application of fibrin glue on the anastomosis are compared. The new instruments developed for this technique and the operation method are presented with reference to earlier vascular surgical procedures, and the results of patency controls of the anastomoses one day, 10 days, and 30 days postoperatively are listed. Preliminary findings of a long term study are added. This study shows that fully patent anastomoses can be obtained with this technique in much less time than with suturing.