title: Venous anastomoses with a microvascular anastomotic device in head and neck reconstruction.
abstract: The Microvascular Anastomotic System (3M coupler) uses a friction-fit union of implant rings composed of high-density polyethylene and stainless-steel pins. Several reports have described equal or greater patency rates, as well as more rapid performance, using the device, compared to conventional suturing techniques. Eighty-nine patients, who underwent head and neck surgery with free-tissue transfers, using the Microvascular Anastomotic System, were evaluated. A hundred and twenty-one venous anastomoses were done using the device. All but one was done in an end-to-end manner Arteries were anastomosed with a conventional suture technique. The flap survival rate was 100 percent. The authors conclude that the device is reliable and time-sparing for end-to-end venous anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Japan.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nishimoto
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hikasa
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ichino
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kurita
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshino
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation