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J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(1): 55-58
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006453
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

A New Vessel Occluder for Microvascular Anastomoses

Michael S. Beckenstein, Brian H. Windle
  • Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A vessel occluder has been developed that is easy to use and provides effective, safe, vascular occlusion. The occluder is small and is easily rotatable in the operative field. It consists of a plastic backing and a compliant foam strap that wraps around the blood vessel. The foam absorbs blood and irrigation which keeps the vessels moist during the anastomosis. This vessel occluder possesses the ability to vary the amount of blood flow through the vessel, enabling the surgeon to identify and readily repair anastomotic leaks. This occluder has been used successfully by the authors in 100 anastomoses.