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J Reconstr Microsurg 1984; 1(1): 7-9
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1007047
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1984 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Comparison of Suture Ligation, Bipolar Cauterization, and Hemoclip Ligation in the Management of Small Branching Vessels in a Rat Model

James H. Roth1 , James R. Urbaniak2 , Jane M. Boswick2
  • 1London, Ontario, Canada
  • 2The Orthopaedic Microsurgery Laboratory, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Supported by a grant from the National Institute of Health (GM 25666). Dr. Roth's fellowship was funded by the R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation.
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1984

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

In elective microsurgical procedures, it is necessary to occlude small branches when mobilizing vessels in obtaining vein grafts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative merits of suture ligation, bipolar cauterization, and hemoclip ligation, and to determine the minimum safe distance of occlusion. The left inferior epigastric vein and the right profunda femoris artery were ligated under operating microscope magnification with 10-0 nylon suture, small hemoclip, or bipolar cauterization at distances of 0, 1, or 2 mm from the parent vessel in 75 rats. Suture ligation was significantly better than bipolar cauterization (p<.01) and hemoclip ligation (p<.001). All cauterization failures occurred at 0 and 1 mm. Hemoclip failures occurred at all three distances. In the management of small branching vessels: (1) suture ligation is safe at 0, 1, and 2 mm; (2) bipolar cauterization is safe at 2 mm; and (3) hemoclip ligation is unsafe.