Microvascular anastomotic coupler devices versus hand-sewn technique for arterial anastomosis: a systematic review

Vaso-Lock for sutureless anastomosis in a pig arteriovenous loop model

A vascular anastomosis is a critical surgical skill that involves connecting blood vessels. Traditional handsewn techniques can be challenging and resource intensive. To address these issues, we have developed a unique sutureless anastomotic device called Vaso-Lock. This intraluminal device connects free vascular ends using anchors to maintain traction and enable a rapid anastomosis. We tested the anastomotic capability of Vaso-Locks in a pig common carotid-internal jugular arteriovenous model. The use of Vaso-Lock allowed us to accomplish this procedure in less than 10 min, in contrast to the approximately 40 min required for a handsewn anastomosis. The Vaso-Lock effectively maintained patency for at least 6 weeks without causing significant tissue damage. Histological analysis revealed that the device was successfully incorporated into the arterial wall, promoting a natural healing process. Additionally, organ evaluations indicated no adverse effects from using the Vaso-Lock. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of the Vaso-Lock for arteriovenous anastomosis in pigs, with potential applicability for translation to humans. Our novel sutureless device has the potential to advance surgical practice and improve patient outcomes.

A Survey of Microvascular Technique Preferences Among American Head Neck Society Members

OBJECTIVE

To identify practices in microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A national survey addressing practices related to microvascular free flap reconstruction was distributed to AHNS members between October and November 2021.

RESULTS

The respondents encompassed 95 microvascular surgeons. Median years of practice was 6 (interquartile range, 2-13) and median flaps per year was 35 (22-50). Common practices in arterial anastomosis included limited cleaning of artery (84.2%), use of a double approximating clamp (64.2%), and use of interrupted suture (88.4%). Common practices in venous anastomosis included limited cleaning (89.5%), downsizing the coupler (53.7%), and coupling to two independent venous systems (47.4%). In arterial anastomosis, respondents felt that kinking (50.5%) and tension (24.2%) were the riskiest challenges. Kinking was handled by loose sutures or native tissue/dissolvable biomaterial to orient pedicle. Excess tension was handled by additional dissection. With regards to associated practices, most surgeons perform anastomosis after partial inset (52.6%), give aspirin immediately postoperatively (66.3%), reserve transfusion for hemodynamic instability (69.5%), and utilize intraoperative pressors when needed (72.6%). More senior surgeons reported placing more suture to address leaks (p = 0.004) and perform end to side anastomosis on larger vein in case of venous mismatch (p = 0.012). In cases of tension, higher volume surgeons perform more extensive dissection (p = 0.035) and end to side coupling (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey of AHNS members indicates patterns of microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios. There exists a variation in approaches amongst surgeons based on volume and practice length.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5 Laryngoscope, 134:1265-1277, 2024.

Comparison of the microvascular anastomotic Coupler™ system with hand-sewn suture for end to end veno-venous anastomosis for head and neck reconstruction with free flap transfer: Medico-economic retrospective case-control study

The aim of this study was to assess the medico-economic impact of the MACD Coupler™ system in comparison with HSA for end to end veno-venous anastomosis during free flap transfer. A retrospective case-control study was performed in an academic institution, from March 2019 through July 2021, to analyze medical and economic outcomes of patients managed for head and neck reconstruction with free flap transfer. 43 patients per group were analyzed. Rates of initial success, re-intervention, complications and flap transfer failure were not different between groups. Use of MACD increased the cost of medical devices between Coupler and Control groups with respectively K€ 0.7 [0.5; 0.8] and K€ 0.1 [0.5; 0.8] (p = 0.001) and decreased the cost for operating staff with respectively K€ 4.0 [3.4; 5.2] and K€ 5.1 [3.8; 5.4] (p = 0.03). The total management costs were not different between groups with respectively a total median cost of K€ 18.4 [14.3; 27.2] and K€ 17.3 [14.1; 23.7] (p = 0.03). In conclusion, the cost of the Coupler™ is significant but is partly offset by the decrease in operating staff costs. The choice of one or the other technique can be left to the discretion of the surgeon.

A Novel Vascular Anastomotic Coupling Device for End-to-End Anastomosis of Arteries and Veins

OBJECTIVE

Hand-sutured (HS) techniques remain the gold standard for most microvascular anastomoses in microsurgery. HS techniques can result in endothelial lacerations and back wall suturing, leading to complications such as thrombosis and free tissue loss. A novel force-interference-fit vascular coupling device (FIF-VCD) system can potentially reduce the need for HS and improve end-to-end anastomosis. This study aims to describe the development and testing of a novel FIF-VCD system for 1.5 to 4.0 mm outside diameter arteries and veins.

METHODS

Benchtop anastomoses were performed using porcine cadaver arteries and veins. Decoupling force and anastomotic leakage were tested under simulated worst-case intravital physiological conditions. The 1.5 mm FIF-VCD system was used to perform cadaver rat abdominal aorta anastomoses.

RESULTS

Benchtop testing showed that the vessels coupled with the FIF-VCD system could withstand simulated worst-case intravital physiological conditions with a 95% confidence interval for the average decoupling force safety factor of 8.2 ± 1.0 (5.2 ± 1.0 N) and a 95% confidence interval for the average leakage rate safety factor of 26 ± 3.6 (8.4 ± 0.14 and 95 ± 1.4 μL/s at 150 and 360 mmHg, respectively) when compared to HS anastomotic leakage rates (310 ± 14 and 2,100 ± 72 μL/s at 150 and 360 mmHg, respectively). The FIF-VCD system was successful in performing cadaver rat abdominal aorta anastomoses.

CONCLUSION

The FIF-VCD system can potentially replace HS in microsurgery, allowing the safe and effective connection of arteries and veins. Further studies are needed to confirm the clinical viability and effectiveness of the FIF-VCD system.

Evaluation of Anastomosis Efficiency in Arteriovenous Shunts Created by Using Hand-Sewn Microsurgery and Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler Device

OBJECTIVE

Microsurgery has made great contributions to the advancement of surgery. In parallel with the developments in microsurgery, various techniques have been developed to perfect the technique. Microvascular anastomotic coupler device (MACD) is one of these techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of anastomoses created by using hand-sewn microsurgery (HSM) and MACD.

METHODS

Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 300 g were divided into 2 groups randomly. Arteriovenous shunt was performed between carotid artery and internal jugular vein with the principles of HSM in the first group (n=10) and by using the 1-mm anastomotic microvascular device in the second group (n=10). Groups were evaluated for anastomose time, success of anastomosis, thrombosis formation, color Doppler ultrasonography, and histopathological features.

RESULTS

Anastomotic time was faster with the coupler device compared with HSM technique. Flow rates were found significantly higher in the MACD group. Endothelialization and wall integrity rates were better in MACD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Microvascular anastomotic coupler device is faster than HSM. High quality and durability of vascularization, insignificant foreign body reactions are histopathological advantages of MACD.

Use of the superficial inferior epigastric vein in breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap

Background

Autologous breast reconstruction is highly regarded in reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. DIEP flap reconstruction represents the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. The major advantages of DIEP flap reconstruction are its adequate volume, large vascular caliber and pedicle length. Despite reliable anatomy, there are procedures where the plastic surgeon's creativity is required, not only to shape the new breast, but also to overcome microsurgical challenges. An important tool in these cases is the superficial epigastric vein (SIEV).

Methods

150 DIEP flap procedures performed between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated for SIEV use. Intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Rate of anastomosis revision, total and partial flap loss, fat necrosis and donor site complications were evaluated.

Results

In a total of 150 breast reconstructions with a DIEP flap performed in our clinic, the SIEV was used in 5 cases. The indication for using the SIEV was to improve the venous drainage of the flap or as a graft to reconstruct the main artery perforator. Among the 5 cases, no flap loss occurred.

Conclusions

Use of the SIEV is an excellent method to expand the microsurgical options in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap surgery. It provides a safe and reliable procedure to improve venous outflow in cases of inadequate outflow from the deep venous system. The SIEV could also provide a very good option for fast and reliable application as an interposition device in case of arterial complications.

Emergent tracheostomy during the pandemic of COVID-19: Slovenian National Recommendations

PURPOSE

Emergent tracheostomy under local anaesthesia is a reliable method of airway management when orotracheal intubation is not possible. COVID-19 is spread through aerosol making the emergent tracheostomy a high-risk procedure for surgeons. The surgical establishment of the air conduit in emergency scenarios must be adjusted for safety reasons.

METHODS

To establish the Slovenian National Guidelines for airway management in cannot intubate-cannot ventilate situations in COVID-19 positive patients.

RESULTS

Good communication and coordination between surgeon and anaesthesiologist is absolutely necessary. Deep general anaesthesia, full muscle relaxation and adequate preoxygenation without intubation are initial steps. The surgical cricothyrotomy is performed quickly, the thin orotracheal tube is inserted, the cuff is inflated and ventilation begins. Following patient stabilisation, the conversion to the tracheostomy is undertaken with the following features: skin infiltration with vasoconstrictor, a vertical incision, avoidance of electrical devices in favour of classical manners of haemostasis, the advancement of the tube towards the carina, performing the tracheal window in complete apnoea following adequate oxygenation, the insertion of non-fenestrated canulla attached to a heat and moisture exchanger, the fixation of canulla with stitches and tapes, and the cricothyrotomy entrance closure. Appropriate safety equipment is equally important.

CONCLUSION

The goal of the guidelines is to make the procedure safer for medical teams, without harming the patients. Further improvements of the guidelines will surely appear as COVID-19 is a new entity and there is not yet much experience in handling it.