A simple arteriotomy method for microsurgical end-to-side anastomoses: technical aspects of use in training and laboratory applications.

An experiment was carried out to show the patency rates of microsurgical carotid artery bypasses with femoral artery grafts, using a single-cut arteriotomy in rats. A bypass was done on 127 Sprague-Dawley rats. Of these, 125 were patent after 20 min, and all of these were patent after the animals were sacrificed at 3 days, for a 98 percent patency rate. The method of performing the arteriotomies, as well as the bypass itself, is described. The benefits of using the end-to-side anastomosis are explained. The authors conclude that the single-cut arteriotomy is convenient and easy to perform. The end-to-side anastomosis is a worthwhile technique and should encourage the proficiency of every student of microsurgery.