Continuous versus interrupted suture technique in microvascular anastomosis in rats.

PURPOSE: To compare the continuous and interrupted suture technique on femoral artery on rats after vessel repair and 14 days after.

METHODS: Twenty rats were operated randomly divided into two group matched according to the suture technique used: interrupted or continuous. We performed a femoral anastomosis on the right femoral artery. We analyzed weight, arterial caliber, anastomosis time and patency after vessel repair and 14 days after.

RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups in the weight (p=0.64), diameter of the femoral artery (p=0.95) and patency (p=1.00). The time spent in the anastomosis was 451 seconds in the continuous group and 718 seconds in the interrupted group, presenting significant difference (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION: The continuous suture technique shows a similar patency rates than interrupted technique, however with a shorter time to perform the anastomosis.