End-to-End Venous Anastomosis on the Rat Femoral Vein: Interrupted and Continuous Suturing

Replantation and revascularization surgeries are integral procedures in modern medicine, often requiring microvascular anastomosis to restore blood flow in small vessels. However, achieving proficiency in this intricate and demanding technique poses a significant learning challenge for aspiring surgeons. To address this issue, the rat femoral vein emerges as an ideal model for developing surgical expertise in vessel end-to-end anastomosis on a millimeter scale. This chapter offers a comprehensive description of both interrupted and continuous suturing techniques applied to the rat femoral vein, providing a step-by-step guide through the various stages of the procedure. By following this detailed guide, surgeons can gain valuable insights into the complexities of microvascular anastomosis, enabling them to cultivate the essential skills and precision necessary for successful surgical interventions. Even though in a modern surgical world many surgeons use vein coupling systems, we still consider the rat femoral vein to be an excellent platform for honing surgical expertise and comprehending the intricacies of vessel end-to-end anastomosis. Mastering this technique is crucial in ensuring positive patient outcomes and advancing the field of microvascular surgery, making it an invaluable asset for surgical education and practice.