Gastrointestinal anastomosis with the nickel-titanium double ring

We used a dog model to test the safety and effectiveness of sutureless gast rointestinal anastomoses (n = 23) (end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side ) with the nickel-titanium double ring with temperature-dependent shape mem ory. Results were compared to conventional hand-sutured anastomoses (n = 5) , Examination performed after 2 weeks' follow-up showed no leaks and no dif ference in return of bowel function between the experimental groups and the control group, Microscopic studies showed a complete epithelial lining and perfectly functioning anastomoses. We conclude that the nickel-titanium do uble-ring device may have an important place in the armamentarium of the ga strointestinal surgeon.