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J Reconstr Microsurg 2000; Volume 16(Number 7): 0553-0556
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-8394
Copyright © 2000 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel. +1(212)584-4662.

Venous Anastomoses with a Microvascular Anastomotic Device in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Soh Nishimoto, Hisashi Hikasa, Naoki Ichino, Tomoyuki Kurita, Kunihiko Yoshino
  • Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Osaka, Japan
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Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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ABSTRACT

-The Microvascular Anastomotic System (3M coupler) uses a friction-fit union of implant rings composed of high-density polyethylene and stainless-steel pins. Several reports have described equal or greater patency rates, as well as more rapid performance, using the device, compared to conventional suturing techniques. Eighty-nine patients, who underwent head and neck surgery with free-tissue transfers, using the Microvascular Anastomotic System, were evaluated. A hundred and twenty-one venous anastomoses were done using the device. All but one was done in an end-to-end manner. Arteries were anastomosed with a conventional suture technique. The flap survival rate was 100 percent. The authors conclude that the device is reliable and time-sparing for end-to-end venous anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction.