The importance of topical heparin in microvascular anastomoses: a study in the rat.
The importance of heparinised saline irrigation of the vessel ends in microvascular anastomoses may be under-estimated. Recent thrombosis research is reviewed which suggests that heparin is selectively adsorbed onto endothelium, thereby preventing thrombus formation. This evidence is invoked to explain the results of a free flap experiment in the rat and to make some practical recommendations.
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures
D006493:Heparin