End-to-End Arterial Anastomosis on the Rat Femoral Artery: Two Stay Sutures Technique

Microsurgical end-to-end arterial anastomosis is a vital procedure for reconstructive surgery, as it establishes blood flow by joining small artery edges. This technique, performed under microscope magnification with specialized instruments, requires meticulous training. In the context of microsurgical training, the rat femoral artery model serves as an excellent platform for mastering this intricate procedure. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive guide for performing end-to-end microsurgical anastomosis using the rat femoral artery model. The main steps include careful dissection and exposure of the rat femoral artery, arterial preparation, precise microsurgical suturing for alignment during the anastomosis, tying secure and leak-free knots, maintaining meticulous hemostasis, and post-anastomosis evaluation to assess the integrity and functionality of the arterial connection. Mastering the technique of end-to-end microsurgical anastomosis using the rat femoral artery model allows practitioners to refine the essential skills of dissection, suture placement, tissue handling, knot tying, and post-operative assessment. By following this comprehensive guide and honing their skills using the rat femoral artery model, reconstructive surgeons can enhance their surgical capabilities, gain confidence in their abilities, and achieve successful outcomes in microsurgery.