Butylcyanoacrylate Adhesives in Microvascular Surgery: An Experimental Pilot Study

A. Roger Green; Martin A. P. Milling; A. Reidunn T. Green

doi:10.1055/s-2007-1007009

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 1986; 2(2): 103-105
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007009

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Butylcyanoacrylate Adhesives in Microvascular Surgery: An Experimental Pilot Study

A. Roger Green, Martin A.P. Milling, A. Reidunn T. Green

Departments of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University College Hospital, London WC1, and St. Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow, and Department of Histopathology, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, England

Abstract

ABSTRACT

An investigation was undertaken to examine the effects of the butylcyanoacrylate adhesives (His-toacryl) on vascular tissue. Using a rat femoral artery model, 18 vessels were prepared. End-to-end anastomoses were completed using three stay sutures of 10-0 nylon inserted at 120° intervals around the vessels, followed by direct application of Histoacryl glue.

Results showed a patency rate of 73 percent, the vessels being inspected between two and 14 weeks after anastomosis. Histological examination of the vessels showed an early marked foreign body granulomatous response with giant cell formation, and later extreme thinning of the vessel wall, splitting of the elastic lamina, and calcification of the media.

It was concluded that the histologic results of butylcyanoacrylate tissue adhesives on the vessel wall preclude their use on human subjects.

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