Clinical experience of a microvascular venous coupler device in free tissue transfers.
Most free flap failures result from technical problems in performing vascular anastomoses, such as endothelial intima lacerations, distortion of the vessels, and unequal intersuture distances. These incorrect practices can lead to thrombosis formation and, ultimately, flap failure. Solving this problem is a challenging issue for all micro-reconstructive surgeons. In the last decade, a vascular anastomotic coupler instrument was developed and reported on. We review our recent experiences of free tissue transfer using this vascular coupler device, and discuss how venous problems can be overcome with its aid. We believe the excellent patency rate of the coupler may minimize the well-described problems of venous thrombosis in the challenging field of free tissue reconstructions.
Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, and Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. kapich@kmu.edu.tw
Kao-Ping
KP
Chang
Sin-Daw
SD
Lin
Chung-Sheng
CS
Lai
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014680:Veins / Q000601:surgery