Experimental laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass with end-to-side aortic anastomosis

The goal of this animal experiment was to demonstrate the feasibility of la paroscopic end-to-side aortic anastomosis, which is mandatory in certain ca ses presenting with aortoiliac occlusive disease. Six piglets were submitte d to laparoscopic approach of the aortoiliac vessels using the "apron" tech nique. After clamping the infrarenal aorta with a laparoscopic Satinsky cla mp, a 3-cm end-to-side laparoscopic aortic anastomosis was constructed. Mea n operative and dissection times were 198 (170-240) and 92 (75-105) min, re spectively, with a mean blood loss of 86 (50-120) mt. Mean preoperative and postoperative hematocrits were 38 (34-48) and 38 (34-46). Aortic cross-cla mp and anastomotic times were 51 (40-65) and 44 (35-60) min, respectively. No extra sutures were needed to secure the anastomoses. At autopsy, all the anastomoses were patent without stenoses. Results indicate the feasibility of laparoscopic aortobifemoral bypass with an end-to-side aortic anastomos is.