Method of Study 144 male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. They were sacrificed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and the anastomoses were subjected to evaluation. The femoral arteries were then tested with the micro-caliper instrument for stiffness and breaking force. Longitudinal and transverse sections were sent for histology.

Results There was no significant difference in max break force or stiffness at all 1week, 1 month, 3 month and 6 month intervals for glue vs. suture. At 1 week and 1 month, suture had higher max break force, but at 3 and 6 months, glue had higher max break force. Glue vs. suture were both stiffer than control (but not significant) at 1 wk and became significantly less stiff than controls at 3 months. There was acceptable inflammatory reaction and minimum distortion of intimal layer in the glue vessels.

Discussion This study showed that the maximum break force and stiffness of the glue-assisted microvascular anastomoses was similar to that of suture-only anastomoses up to 3 months, and is superior after 3 months. It demonstrated comparable histological appearances, and an absence of tissue toxicity or adverse reaction to the glue.

Conclusion The biomechanical properties of 2-Octylcyanoacrylate assisted anastomoses are superior to that achieved by suture-only anastomosis approaching normal physiologic parameters. In addition, 2-Octylcyanoacrylate reduces the need to insert more sutures thereby reducing the risk of vessel narrowing, foreign body reaction and intravascular thrombosis that may occur with standard suture technique, leading to shortened flap or digital ischaemic time and reduced intravascular thrombosis resulting in improved flap or digital survival.

Based on these histological, biomechanical and visual observations in the rat model, we intend to develop a new technique of microvascular anastomosis that is clinically relevant, one that can result in decreased ischaemic time and better flap or digit survival. We also intend to perform further studies on anastomosis of structures other than blood vessels, like intestines and bile ducts.