title: Salvage of a failing microvascular free muscle flap by direct continuous intravascular infusion of heparin: a case report.
abstract: A free gracilis muscle transfer with skin graft was performed for reconstruction of a type IIIB lower extremity traumatic wound with acute exposure of the distal tibia fracture site and an extensive soft-tissue wound. The free muscle flap failed from a venous thrombosis that was recognized 12 hours postoperatively, and reexploration revealed extensive venous thrombosis throughout the lower leg. The flap was salvaged by direct catheter administration of heparin into the vena comitans of the gracilis artery, which bathed the newly repaired venous anastomosis with an anticoagulating dose of heparin without systemic elevation of the patient's PTT. Ultimate full flap survival and wound healing ensued.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: May
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Rothkopf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin