title: Microvascular coupling devices: neglected resource with a short learning curve.
abstract: Microvascular couplers have a record of efficiency and efficacy. They have been used in anastomoses in the head and neck in Sunderland since November 2013, where we have investigated the time taken for anastomosis, patency, and cost. We also completed a national survey of the use of couplers in the United Kingdom, in which we recorded the time of anastomosis. The mean (range) time was 4minutes (2minutes 40seconds - 4minutes 10seconds). One flap partially failed. This shows that couplers can save time, they have successful outcomes, and the technique is quick and easy to learn.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP. Electronic address: w.thompson118@gmail.com.
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burns
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Endersby
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nugent
mesh_terms: D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D059032:Learning Curve; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps
keywords: Head and neck oncology; couplers; microvascular anastamoses; reconstruction; training opportunities