The Effect of Fibrin Glue on the Formation of Perivascular Adhesions

Fibrin glue is an effective hemostatic agent, but its effect on adhesion forma tion is not known. This study was designed to determine the effect of fibrin glue on perivascular adhesion formation. Arteriotomies were performed on the ca rotid and femoral arteries of 12 dogs. Fibrin glue was used on 24 of the arte riotomies while the other 24 arteriotomies served as controls. Four weeks later the arteries were reexplored. The surgeon assessed the degree of adhesion for mation using four previously defined categories. In addition, color photographs were taken of each site so that adhesion formation could later be evaluated by an unbiased observer. In both categories, there was a slight tendency for fibrin glue to decrease the extent of perivascular adhesion formation, although this difference was not statistically significant.