Vaso-Lock for sutureless anastomosis in a pig arteriovenous loop model

Xiaowei Li; Emma R Young; Cameron Martin; Joseph G Ribaudo; Mohamed Zaghloul; Sophia Roberts; Rodrigo Meade; Batool Arif; William R Moritz; Sarah Madira; Jonathon B Schofield; Helen Xun; Caitlin W Hicks; Sung H Kang; Mohamed A Zayed; Justin M Sacks

doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122563

Vaso-Lock for sutureless anastomosis in a pig arteriovenous loop model

Biomaterials. 2024 Jul:308:122563. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122563. Epub 2024 Apr 1.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. Electronic address: xiaoweili@wustl.edu.
² Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
³ Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
⁴ Department of Plastic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
⁵ Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
⁶ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA.
⁷ Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Division of Molecular Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McKelvey School of Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA; St. Louis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, St. Louis, MO, 63106, USA. Electronic address: zayedm@wustl.edu.
⁸ Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA. Electronic address: jmsacks@wustl.edu.

PMID: 38574456
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122563

Abstract

A vascular anastomosis is a critical surgical skill that involves connecting blood vessels. Traditional handsewn techniques can be challenging and resource intensive. To address these issues, we have developed a unique sutureless anastomotic device called Vaso-Lock. This intraluminal device connects free vascular ends using anchors to maintain traction and enable a rapid anastomosis. We tested the anastomotic capability of Vaso-Locks in a pig common carotid-internal jugular arteriovenous model. The use of Vaso-Lock allowed us to accomplish this procedure in less than 10 min, in contrast to the approximately 40 min required for a handsewn anastomosis. The Vaso-Lock effectively maintained patency for at least 6 weeks without causing significant tissue damage. Histological analysis revealed that the device was successfully incorporated into the arterial wall, promoting a natural healing process. Additionally, organ evaluations indicated no adverse effects from using the Vaso-Lock. Our findings support the safety and effectiveness of the Vaso-Lock for arteriovenous anastomosis in pigs, with potential applicability for translation to humans. Our novel sutureless device has the potential to advance surgical practice and improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: Arteriovenous; Sutureless; Vascular anastomosis; Vaso-Lock device.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

Anastomosis, Surgical*
Animals
Arteriovenous Anastomosis / surgery
Sutureless Surgical Procedures / methods
Swine
Vascular Patency