Purpose:

To evaluate the caliber of an arterial micro-anastomosis in the young growing animal using a continuous suture technique. Additionally, late morphological changes and blood flows distal to the anastomosis were evaluated.

Methods:

Seventy-four Wistar rats were submitted to laparotomy to access the aorta for blood flow measurement. The aorta was sectioned using microsurgery technique and an end-to-end anastomosis with continuous suture. After a period of six months to one year, the anastomosis was checked.

Results:

Regarding the size of the aortas, comparing the pre- and postoperative values, there was an increase of 13.33% in adult animals and 25% in young animals, without any difference in the blood flows.

Conclusions:

The arteries of young rats show signs of growth at the site of the anastomosis performed with continuous suture.