RESUMO
PURPOSE: We report the results of microvascular anastomosis using a microvascular anastomotic coupler (MAC) system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty cases (12 patients) of venous anastomoses performed using a coupler system were examined. The patients' age, gender, preoperative diagnosis, donor tissue, vessel diameters, size of coupler, time for anastomosis, patency rate immediately after surgery and the final survival rate of the transferred tissue were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean time for anastomosis using the coupler system was 3 min and 15 sec. The immediate patency rate after anastomosis was 100% without any leakage of blood or thrombus formation. At the final follow up, the transferred tissue survived in all cases. CONCLUSION: Microvascular anastomosis using a coupler system in orthopaedic reconstructive surgery can shorten the vascular anastomosis time and significantly reduce the total ischemic time of the transferred tissue. This system can be easily used after a short training period. This system minimizes the intimal damage of the vessel, easily overcomes the diameter discrepancy and provides secure fixation at the anastomosis site. This system can be a good strategy for substituting the conventional suture anastomosis.