ABSTRACT
This study was performed to examine the microanastomotic response to needle and suture
size, comparing the 10-0 (75μ needle/22μ suture), the 11-0 (50μ needle/18μ suture),
and a new modified 11-0 which has a 30 μ needle and a 14μ suture. Each artery received
five full thickness sutures of either suture. The vessels were harvested at 0, 7 14,
21, and 28 days and checked for patency, aneurysm formation, and gross strength. Histologic
slides and scanning electron micrographs (SEM) were made at 7, 21, and 28 days postoperatively.
The 11-0 with the 30 μ needle gave better patency rates, less incidence of aneurysm
formation, and as good or better recovery in gross strength, when compared with the
10-0 75 μ needle. Histologically and by SEM, the 11-0 with the 30 μ needle was far
superior to the other two larger sized sutures, showing less trauma and inflammation.
The use of the modified 11-0 suture with the 30μ needle is advantageous in anastomosis
of vessels 1 mm or smaller.
