An automated interrupted suturing device for coronary artery bypass crafting: Automated coronary anastomosis

Background. The purpose of this study was to have a preliminary assessment of the safety and efficacy of an automated vascular suturing device. Methods. The device (Heartflo, Perclose/Abbott Labs, Redwood City, CA), whi ch delivers 10 interrupted 7-0 polypropylene sutures between side-to-side a rteriatomies, was evaluated in animals (8 Yorkshire pigs). Results. Tissue edge capture and quality of anastomosis were highly rated. Time of anastomoses averaged 22 minutes. This time was prolonged primarily due to suture management, tying of interrupted sutures, and learning curve effects. Six of the anastomoses were hemostatic and two required an additio nal stitch each. Angiography and histology of the anastomosis confirmed pat ency and quality of the anastomosis. Conclusions. Our preliminary results indicate that the Heartflo automated a nastomotic device is safe and effective. Preclinical and clinical studies t o validate its acute and long-term effectiveness will commence shortly. (An n Thorac Surg 2000;70:1046-8) (C) 2000 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.