Fabrication of a Novel Absorbable Vascular Anastomosis Device and Testing in a Pig Liver Transplantation Model

Abstract

An absorbable vascular anastomosis device (AVAD) was fabricated and tested in pig liver transplantation experiments. We prepared biodegradable copolymers with various ratios of L-lactide: glycolide and tested their properties including inherent viscosity, in vitro biodegradation, and tensile strength. The mechanical and physical properties of the finally selected copolymers were analyzed according to decomposition time. The AVAD, consisting of two inner rings and one coupler, was fabricated with 5-, 15-, and 20-mm diameter sizes using an injection molding machine. Based on changes in the overall mechanical and physical properties, it is believed that the AVAD will maintain its shape without deformation while connecting the blood vessels to external force for at least 3 weeks. Four mini-pigs underwent liver transplantation with AVAD using livers obtained from swine leukocyte antigen–identical siblings. Anastomoses was achieved in all four cases. In case 4, an autopsy conducted at 4 months revealed that the AVAD was absorbed and the anastomosis was intact, demonstrating the success of the AVAD in the pig liver transplantation experiments and the feasibility of using an AVAD in organ transplantation.