title: Exposure of a microvascular anastomotic coupler in head and neck reconstruction: a case report.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We present a case of exposure of a microvascular anastomotic coupler.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed venous anastomoses using microvascular anastomotic couplers in head and neck reconstruction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A microvascular anastomotic coupler was exposed in the seventh month postoperation, and an anastomosed vein was disrupted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the usefulness of the microvascular anastomotic coupler in microsurgical flap reconstruction is not in doubt, as described previously, we believe that it is necessary to remember that use of a microvascular anastomotic coupler involves potential risks of exposure and anastomosed vessel disruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Tateki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kubo
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Natsuko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kitamura
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Motohiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Onoda
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
authors.forename: Daisuke
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maeda
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsuda
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine.
authors.forename: Ko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hosokawa
keywords: complications; exposure; head and neck reconstruction; microvascular anastomotic coupler; venous anastomosis