Download PDF
J Reconstr Microsurg 2011; 27(4): 215-218
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1272962
© Thieme Medical Publishers

External Doppler Monitoring of Free Flaps through Negative Pressure Dressings

Steven L. Henry1 , Adam B. Weinfeld1 , Sanjay K. Sharma1 , Patrick K. Kelley1
  • 1Seton Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Pediatric Surgical Subspecialists, University Medical Center Brackenridge, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, Austin, Texas
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 February 2011 (online)

Also available at
    Permissions and Reprints

ABSTRACT

The negative pressure dressing is a highly effective modality for coverage and bolstering of skin grafts in the early postoperative period. In the situation of a skin graft over a free flap, the surgeon might be inclined to avoid this modality out of concern that the dressing would deleteriously effect flap survival or impede flap monitoring. This case series supports the safety of the negative pressure dressing and demonstrates a technical modification that permits external Doppler monitoring of the flap through the dressing. Thus, this technique provides an ideal environment for skin graft healing while maintaining the ability to monitor the flap in a straightforward manner and also simplifies nursing care.

KEYWORDS

Free flap - monitoring - wound VAC

REFERENCES

  • 1 Morykwas M J, Simpson J, Punger K, Argenta A, Kremers L, Argenta J. Vacuum-assisted closure: state of basic research and physiologic foundation.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;  117(7 Suppl) 121S-126S
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 2 Moisidis E, Heath T, Boorer C, Ho K, Deva A K. A prospective, blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial of topical negative pressure use in skin grafting.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004;  114 917-922
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 3 Weinfeld A B, Kelley P, Yuksel E et al.. Circumferential negative-pressure dressing (VAC) to bolster skin grafts in the reconstruction of the penile shaft and scrotum.  Ann Plast Surg. 2005;  54 178-183
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 4 Hanasono M M, Skoracki R J. Securing skin grafts to microvascular free flaps using the vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device.  Ann Plast Surg. 2007;  58 573-576
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 5 Bannasch H, Iblher N, Penna V et al.. A critical evaluation of the concomitant use of the implantable Doppler probe and the vacuum assisted closure system in free tissue transfer.  Microsurgery. 2008;  28 412-416
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar
  • 6 Kairinos N, Voogd A M, Botha P H et al.. Negative-pressure wound therapy II: negative-pressure wound therapy and increased perfusion. Just an illusion?.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;  123 601-612
    CrossrefPubMedGoogle Scholar

Steven L HenryM.D. 

1400 N IH-35, Ste 320

Austin, TX 78701

Email: slhenry@seton.org