Surgical approaches to recipient vessels of the fore- and hindlimbs for microvascular free tissue transfer in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate surgical approaches to the arteries and veins of the fore- and hindlimbs for use as potential recipient vessels for free tissue transfer.


METHODS
Experimental anatomic study.


METHODS
Canine cadavers (11): 2 preserved and 9 fresh cadavers.


METHODS
Fore- and hindlimbs from 1 preserved cadaver injected with a pigmented silicone/barium mixture, through the common carotid artery and external jugular vein, were cut in 1 cm cross-sections. Tissue sections were used to identify the location of vessels >1 mm that could be used as recipient vessels for free tissue transfer. The other preserved cadaver was used to develop surgical approaches to these vessels. Three surgeons evaluated the written descriptions and illustrations for these approaches using fresh cadavers. Modifications to the surgical approaches were made based on recommendations from these surgeons.


RESULTS
Six approaches were developed to isolate forelimb recipient vessels: palmar access, distal medial antebrachial, mid-antebrachial, proximal antebrachial, distal humeral, and mid-humeral vascular access. Twelve approaches were developed to isolate recipient vessels of the hindlimb: plantar access, dorsal tarsal, cranial distal tibial, craniomedial distal tibial, lateral distal tibial, medial distal tibial, medial femorotibial, lateral distal femoral, medial femoral, proximal medial femoral, groin, and proximal lateral femoral vascular access.


CONCLUSIONS
Six forelimb and 12 hindlimb sites were identified for surgical access to recipient vessels (>1 mm diameter) suitable for use in free tissue transfer for wound reconstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
For reconstruction of complex wounds of the extremities of dogs, surgeons should consider use of readily accessible recipient vessels that would allow for free tissue transfer to the fore- and hindlimbs.
Degner
Daniel A
DA
Michigan Veterinary Specialists, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA. ddegner@comcast.net
Walshaw
Richard
R
Fowler
J David
JD
Lanz
Otto I
OI
Ocello
Peter
P
Maier
Jackie
J
Blaezer
Loren
L
Smith
Rick J
RJ
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000601:surgery*; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D005552:Forelimb / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery*