Experimental anastomoses of small arteries employing alkyl‐cyanoacrylates

Sutured, stapled, and methyl‐ or thickened n‐pentyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate‐adhered end‐to‐end arterial anastomoses were compared in two series of 10 dogs, employing the three 4‐mm diameter terminal branches of the aorta for these comparisons. Patency rate, speed of construction, and gross and microscopic appearances were employed as criteria for evaluation. In a series of adult white rabbits the same criteria were applied to compare sutured and thickened n‐pentyl‐2‐cyanoacrylateadhered end‐to‐end anastomoses of the 2‐mm diameter abdominal aorta. Anastomoses adhered with methyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate were significantly more often thrombosed than any other variety; a marked inflammatory response followed application of this material. Thickened n‐pentyl‐2‐cyanoacrylate adhesive was well tolerated, and the results obtained with this material were equivalent to those obtained by suturing or stapling in the dog, or by suturing in the rabbit.