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Scanning electron microscopy of crush/avulsion arterial trauma: Effect of heparin and aspirin administration
Author(s) -
Cooley Brian C.,
Ruas Ernesto J.,
Wilgis E. F. Shaw
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920080105
Subject(s) - medicine , aspirin , fibrin , heparin , platelet , occlusion , surgery , microvascular surgery , anesthesia , microsurgery , immunology
A model of vascular trauma and subsequent reanastomosis with poor postoperative likelihood of patency was developed in the rat femoral artery. Patency rates were significantly improved with intravenous heparin, intragastric aspirin, and both agents together. Heparin yielded higher patency than aspirin. Intimal surfaces of the vessels at various postoperative intervals were observed with the scanning electron microscope. More fibrin accumulation was seen in the aspirin‐treated animals, while more platelet aggregation was found in the heparin‐treated group. Both platelet aggregation and fibrin strand development appeared retarded with both agents administered. All groups demonstrated good healing of the ruptured intimal surfaces, beginning at 2 days postoperatively. It is concluded that fibrin strand development is a more significant factor in microvascular occlusion than platelet aggregation.