Abstract:

Objectives: The non-penetrating Vascular Clip System (VCS) was tested experimentally and compared with the conventional suture method on the venous system. Materials and Nethods: In five pigs, 30 transverse venotomies were carried out in the jugular and renal veins, and vena cava. Fifteen venotomies were reconstructed using autosuture clips and 15 using the standard needle and suture method. Eight weeks later, following phlebography, the specimens were examined macro- and microscopically. Results: For both methods, the veins remained patent; however, significant stenosis of 8.9% (95% CI: 0.6-17.1) for the renal vein and 8.5% (95% CI: 1.2-15.7) for the vena cava occurred when the suture technique was used. The intima to media height ratio remained the same. The anastomosis time with the clips was significantly shorter (p < 0.05), while the endothelium remained intact without any hyperplasia or inflammatory changes, which are usual findings of the suture technique. Conclusion: Early and mid-term results show that the VCS clipped anastomotic technique seems to be effective and acceptable for venous reconstructions.