Vaso-Lock for sutureless anastomosis in a pig arteriovenous loop model

• Published in: Biomaterials Vol. 308; p. 122563
• Main Authors: Li, Xiaowei, Young, Emma R., Martin, Cameron, Ribaudo, Joseph G., Zaghloul, Mohamed, Roberts, Sophia, Meade, Rodrigo, Arif, Batool, Moritz, William R., Madira, Sarah, Schofield, Jonathon B., Xun, Helen, Hicks, Caitlin W., Kang, Sung H., Zayed, Mohamed A., Sacks, Justin M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical; Animals; Arteriovenous; Arteriovenous Anastomosis - surgery; Sutureless; Sutureless Surgical Procedures - methods; Swine; Vascular anastomosis; Vascular Patency; Vaso-Lock device; Vascular anastomosis; Sutureless; Vaso-Lock device; Arteriovenous
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122563

A vascular anastomosis is a critical surgical skill that involves connecting blood vessels. Traditional handsewn techniques can be challenging and resource intensive. To address these issues, we have developed a unique sutureless anastomotic device called Vaso-Lock. This intraluminal device connects free vascular ends using anchors to maintain traction and enable a rapid anastomosis. We tested the anastomotic capability of Vaso-Locks in a pig common carotid-internal jugular arteriovenous model. The use of Vaso-Lock allowed us to accomplish this procedure in less than 10 min, in contrast to the approximately 40 min required for a handsewn anastomosis. The Vaso-Lock effectively maintained patency for at least 6 weeks without causing significant tissue damage. Histological analysis revealed that the device was successfully incorporated into the arterial wall, promoting a natural healing process. Additionally, organ evaluations indicated no adverse effects from using the Vaso-Lock. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of the Vaso-Lock for arteriovenous anastomosis in pigs, with potential applicability for translation to humans. Our novel sutureless device has the potential to advance surgical practice and improve patient outcomes.