The Effect of Very Low Concentrations of Ethanol on Microvascular Artery and Vein Anastomosis: An Experimental Study

Abstract

Objectives

This study investigated the effect of very low concentrations of ethanol on artery and vein anastomosis. Also, it was aimed to determine the appropriate ethanol concentration to be used in vasospasm.

Methods

Rats were divided into five groups of eight rats, each group, as follows: Group i: saline; Group ii: 2.5% ethanol; Group iii: 5% ethanol; Group IV: 7.5% ethanol; and Group V: 10% ethanol. During the femoral artery and vein anastomosis, 1ml of the agent was used for irrigation in each group. Vessel diameters were measured before the anastomosis, at the fifth and 15th minutes, and the third week after the anastomosis. Histopathological samples were taken in the third week.

Results

In Groups ii and iii, the mean vessel diameters were found to increase 15th minute. Also observed was an increase in mean vessel diameter that continued in the third week. Although acute vasodilation was detected in Groups IV and V, arterial and venous thrombosis was observed in the third week. Intima and media thickness decreased in Group ii, while it increased in Group iii. Perivascular inflammation and fibrosis increased as the ethanol concentration increased.

Conclusion

2.5% ethanol causes acute and prolonged vasodilation and does not cause endothelial cell damage, perivascular inflammation, and fibrosis. 2.5% ethanol will be a powerful alternative use in many situations that occur with vasospasm.

Keywords:

• Ethanol
• microsurgery
• sympathetic denervation
• vasodilatation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Health Sciences, Scientific Research Projects Unit under Grant number 2020/128.