Anastomosis in vessels of different caliber may predispose to irregularitie
s and thrombosis. Techniques have been described to manage the discrepancy
such as mechanical expansion, end to side anastomosis, oblique cut, sleeve
procedure, mechanical devices, grafts, adhesives and glues. We performed sl
eeve anastomosis introducing the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SI
EA) into the femoral artery of 20 Wistar rats. Permeability, endothelializa
tion and anastomosis remodeling was assessed. Although slight narrowing of
the anastomosis was found in 30% of cases, 100% permeability was achieved a
nd endothelialization was completed in the second week. We conclude that th
e sleeve procedure is a reliable method to manage SIEA discrepancies in mic
rovascular anastomosis. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.