A Novel Aortic End-to-End Anastomotic Stapler Device—Results of a Human Cadaver Study

This cadaver study evaluated a novel aortic anastomotic device for end-to-end anastomosis during ascending aortic replacement, aiming to reduce circulatory arrest times. The device consists of reusable handles with exchangeable single-use heads that deploy straight titanium pins (0.6 mm diameter and 8.5 mm length) perpendicularly through the vascular graft, aortic wall, and external felt strip, secured by silicone caps in a rivet-like fixation mechanism. Ten fresh human cadavers underwent procedures using either the device (n=5) or conventional running suture (n=5). Results demonstrated significantly shorter anastomotic time with the device vs suture (median 5:39 minutes vs 9:17 minutes, p=0.016), comparable fluid loss, and notably reduced tissue trauma—no intimal tears occurred in device specimens vs 100 percent in sutured specimens (p=0.008). The device shows promise for shortening circulatory arrest duration while improving anastomotic quality, warranting further in vivo investigation.