The 3M Precise Microvascular Anastomotic System for Implanting PTFE Microvenous Prostheses into the Rat Femoral Vein

Successful implantations of PTFE microvenous prostheses with 3M precise anastomosis systems were presented. Twelve PTFE prostheses (Gore-Tex;I.D.1.0 mm) were implanted into rat femoral veins by means of 3M precise technique to evaluated the patency rate. In the control group, PTFE prostheses (n = 12) were implanted by means of end-to-end technique. In the experimental group, patency of the PTFE prostheses was evaluated at 3 (n = 6) and 6 (n = 6) weeks after implantation by means of macroscopic inspection and scanning electron microscopy. All prostheses except one were patent at the time of removal (patency rate 91.7 percent). All the microvenous prostheses were completely covered by an endothelial layer at 3 and 6 weeks after implantation, and no stenosis was observed at the anastomotic sites. In the control group, all prostheses except one were found to be occluded 3 weeks after implantation. These results demonstrate the value of the 3M precise technique when implanting PTFE microvenous prostheses.