Methylene blue based protein solder for vascular anastomoses: An in vitro burst pressure study

Attempts at sutureless anastomoses have used protein‐based solders containing chromophores [Oz et al., J Vasc Surg 1990;11:718; Poppas et al., J Urol 1998150:1052] to enhance the strength of laser anastomoses. Reports have described the use of indocyanine green [Oz et al., Surg Forum 1989;316.], fuschin, and fluorescein isothiocyanate as chromophores [Chuck et al., Lasers Surg Med 1989;9:471; Vance et al., Lasers Med Sci 1988;3:219]. Methylene blue (MB) is a chromophore with absorption peaks in the 600–700 nm region whose use has not been reported in laser‐assisted vascular anastomoses. Therefore, we set out to produce and characterise a MB‐containing protein solder. The absorption and burst pressure characteristics have been investigated and described as well as a brief review of the chemical and biological properties of MB.