Revascularisation by ingrowth of a free flap: fact or fiction?
Revascularisation of a critically ischaemic extremity by means of a free flap occurs through the development of vascular connections at the free flap-surrounding tissue interface. Three clinical cases are presented showing that in the particular situation of free tissue reconstruction of an ischaemic limb, vascular connections develop which are able at least partially to supply the free flap after occlusion of its arterial pedicle. One other case demonstrates similar vascular connections by angiography.
van Landuyt
K
K
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Ghent, Belgium.
Monstrey
S
S
Blondeel
P
P
Tonnard
P
P
Vermassen
F
F
D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D000792:Angiography; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D003646:Debridement; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D018409:Foot Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005734:Gangrene / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D012501:Saphenous Vein / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors