Fast and Effective Nonsuture Anastomosis of Magnetic Artificial Blood Vessel Transplantation for Caval Reconstruction in Canines

Background: The resection and reconstruction of the vena cava is frequently needed in tumor resection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the performance of the magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) device for fast nonsuture anastomosis of caval reconstruction with artificial blood vessel transplantation after resection in canines. Methods: The MCA device consisted of paired neodymium-ferrum-boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnetic rings that were coated with titanium nitride and embedded in a polypropylene shell. Artificial blood vessel transplantation procedure was performed in sixteen canines and then they were divided into 2 groups: MCA group (n = 8), in which the novel magnetic pinned-ring device was used, and the traditional manual suture group (n = 8). In situ artificial blood vessel anastomoses were performed in the inferior vena cava (IVC). The anastomosis time and anastomotic patency and quality were investigated through ultrasonographic scans, angiographic, gross observation, histological staining, and scanning electron microscopy at 24 weeks postoperatively. Results: The IVC anastomoses were reconstructed successfully in all canines and all animals survived. In the MCA group, the operation time for IVC anastomosis with artificial blood vessel was significantly shorter than that in the tradition manual suture group (P < 0.05). Vena cava angiography and ultrasound showed good blood patency. The scanning electron microscope showed the re-endothelialization was smooth and endothelial cells were arranged regularly at the anastomotic site. Histological examination confirmed that the MCA group was associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells compared with the manual suture group. Conclusions: The MCA device combined with artificial blood vessels is applicable in reconstruction of large vessels after resection. The magnetic pinned-ring device offers a simple, fast, reliable, and effective technique for nonsuture artificial blood vessel anastomosis of caval reconstruction in canines, and the anastomosis is functionally better than the traditional sutured anastomosis.