A Comparative Study on Suture Versus Cuff Anastomosis in Mouse Cervical Cardiac Transplant

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the cuff technique to traditional suture technique in establishing cervical heart transplant model in mice.

Materials and Methods: Eighty transplants were performed by 1 surgeon, 40 using the cuff technique, and 40 using the suture technique, under the same circumstances.

Results: The cuff approach was significantly superior to conventional suture anastomosis in higher surgical successful rate, less surgery, and less ischemic time (P < .05). Suture anastomosis required an intensive microsurgical training and at least a 16× surgical microscope, while the cuff anastomosis required less learning time and a 10× surgical microscope.

Conclusions: The cuff technique is the preferred method in cervical heart transplant model in mice.