Nonpenetrating vascular clips for small‐caliber anastomosis

In the search for better anastomosing techniques, an improved vascular stapler device (VCS clip applier system®) has been introduced. The system uses nonpenetrating clips to approximate everted vessel walls. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nonpenetrating vascular clips on endothelial wound healing. Aortic end‐to‐end anastomoses were performed in male Wistar rats. A comparison was made between clipped (n = 12) and conventional hand‐sewn (n = 6) anastomoses. Patency rates were verified at different time intervals (after 1, 4, and 8 weeks), after which the anastomotic sites were removed. Morphological evaluation was carried out using scanning electron microscopy. All rats survived the procedure. Closure with clips took less time than closure with conventional sutures, with decreasing aortic clamping times for the clipped procedures during the course of the experiments. Patency rates were 100% in both the “clipped” and “sutured” groups. Microscopic examination showed favorable endothelial healing at the clipped anastomotic sites, with less inflammatory reaction at 1 week, and a more complete endothelial regeneration at 4 and 8 weeks follow‐up, as compared with the sutured anastomoses. The clip applier holds the promise of a useful device in anastomosing small‐caliber vessels, since clip closure takes less time than suturing, while patency rates are identical, and morphological results are favorable. Training is mandatory to obtain technical skills and to achieve optimal results. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. MICROSURGERY 20:131–138 2000