Blood Flow and Scanning Electron Microscope Study on Venous Microvascular Anastomoses with Nakayamas Apparatus and Manual Suture

Abstract

Endothelium repair and blood flow changes after microvascular anastomoses in rabbit neck veins (diameter 1.5-2.5 mm) with either Nakayamas apparatus or manual suture were studied with scanning electron microscope and electromagnetical flowmeter. The healing process, which was very rapid, was examined at varying intervals from the day of surgery to four weeks postoperatively. Complete endothelialization was evident after one week. The blood flow was unimpaired by anastomosis with Nakayama rings, whereas in the suture group reduction in blood flow followed immediately after surgery. This reduction was however transient and blood flow was normalized two hours postoperatively.