Intimal staining for visibility enhancement during microanastomoses.

Absolute perfection in microvascular surgery continues to be thwarted by technical inadequacies in construction of the microanastomosis. Occasionally this is a consequence of limited visualization or misidentification of the intima proper predisposing to thrombosis. At least in rats, we have demonstrated that intimal staining with clinically inert vital dyes has enhanced gross appreciation of the exact intimal location. This maneuver has simplified suture placement without evidence of any associated increased risk of anastomotic failure.