End-to-side vascular anastomosis: a study of technical considerations in the rat.

A study of technical problems in the performance of microvascular anastomosis has been carried out in the rat. A comparison of two types of suture material suggested that handling characteristics had a significant effect on the time taken to complete the anastomosis, and on the accuracy of apposition of the vessel walls. Technical difficulties encountered intraoperatively proved predictive of subsequent compromise of the lumen, shown angiographically and histologically. The optimum conditions are discussed, and it is argued that postoperative antithrombotic medication is indicated when technical problems are encountered.