An experimental study on traumatic changes in microvessels produced by pressure clamping.

Acute and chronic changes produced in microvessels by clamping with serial clips were investigated by macroscopic observation and by light and scanning electron microscopy. The degree of damage of the artery was well correlated with the clamping pressure. The results of the present study revealed that a pressure of 131 g or less did not produce damage to the endothelium, while a pressure of 250 g or more brought about complete fracture or disruption of the intima and necrosis of the media.