title: Mechanical Leeching with Venocutaneous Fistula and Monitoring with Near-infrared Spectroscopy.
abstract: The report herein describes the use of a venocutaneous fistula with angiocatheter attachment and near-infrared spectroscopy device to correct venous congestion of a vertical upper gracilis free flap used for breast reconstruction. This method of mechanical leeching was precisely controlled through monitoring trends in the tissue oxygen saturation levels of the flap, allowing venous congestion to be relieved before it became clinically apparent.
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; and Lakeview Plastic Surgery, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bank
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; and Lakeview Plastic Surgery, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beederman
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; and Lakeview Plastic Surgery, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: Alison M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Shore
authors.affiliation: Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Ill.; and Lakeview Plastic Surgery, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Song