Nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged clip reconstruction of the rat uterine horn

Abstract A new method for reconstructing rat uterine horn was developed in which nonpenetrating, arcuate-legged clips are applied in interrupted fashion to everted seromuscular edges, forming an elastomeric flanged joint. This anastomosis has unusual physical and morphologic properties, with improved tissue healing and luminal restitution. Clipping is easier than suturing, and resulted in equivalent fertility rate (50–60%) and litter size. It also is associated with less granuloma formation and hystiocytic infiltration than suture. The new technique has the potential of endoscopic translation for human tubal reconstruction.