Postoperative efficacy and safety of vessel sealing: an experimental study on carotid arteries of the pig.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this preclinical study was to analyze the burst pressure of large in vivo sealed vessels, not just immediately, but also in the first 7 postoperative days. METHODS: In 26 anesthetized pigs, the right carotid artery was sealed and cut using a novel device that integrates bipolar and ultrasonic energy. The animals were then awakened. They underwent a second surgical procedure after different follow-up periods ranging from 1 to 7 days: the left common carotid artery was sealed and cut in the same way as the contralateral artery. Perioperative and postoperative clinical events, evolution of burst pressure over time, and comparison between immediate and delayed burst pressure were analyzed. RESULTS: All sealings were successful. There were no perioperative or postoperative complications. Median immediate (day 0) burst pressure was 949 mmHg (IQR 781-1181). Burst pressure decreased postoperatively but was never below 500 mmHg in any pig. CONCLUSION: Postoperative variations are observed in the burst pressure of in vivo sealed arteries. Immediate burst pressure alone should not be used for validating vascular sealing devices.