Anastomosis of Small Arteries Using a Soluble Stent and Bioglue

Abstract

A soluble intralumenal stent for vascular anastomosis was prepared from glucose, dextran-40 and disodium (1–4)-2-deoxy-2-sulfoamino-ß-D-glucopyranuronan (S-chitosan). The in vitro and in vivo solubility of the stent was tested. Animal tests were carried out using femoral arteries of rabbits. In comparison with the previously reported data for poly(ethylene glycol), (PEG) and sugar stents, the S-chitosan containing stent (S-sugar stent) had a shorter dissolution time and a higher vessel patency rate that led to a higher rabbit survival rate. Neither irritation nor thrombosis, due to the introduction of S-sugar stent, was observed from histological sections 2 months after the anastomosis. This S-chitosan containing sugar stent is a promising candidate for fast sutureless anastomosis of vessels in non-trauma surgery.