Long-term reendothelialization of excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomoses compared with conventionally sutured anastomoses in pigs.

Object: In contrast to conventional anastomosis methods, the excimer laser-assisted nonocclusive anastomosis (ELANA) technique involves a platinum ring and intima-adventitia apposition with a rim of medial and adventitial layers exposed to the bloodstream. The authors assessed the reendothelialization of porcine carotid arteries through ELANA compared with conventional anastomosis by using scanning electron microscopy.

Methods: In 28 pigs a bypass with one ELANA and one conventional anastomosis was made on the left common carotid artery.