J Reconstr Microsurg 2009; 25(1): 039-045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1090607
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Differences in Blood Flow Volume and Vascular Resistance between Free Flaps: Assessment in 58 Cases

Keisuke Takanari1 , Yuzuru Kamei1 , Kazuhiro Toriyama1 , Shunjiro Yagi1 , Shuhei Torii1
  • 1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 October 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

In free-flap transfer, blood flow in the transferred flap contributes to wound healing and to resistance against infection in the recipient site. Successful reconstructions using free tissue transfers may be required to define and choose flaps with abundant blood flow in necessary cases. We investigated blood flow in the flap by transit-time ultrasound flowmeter in 58 free-flap transfers. Flow volume was compared between flap tissues as vascular resistance in the flap was calculated. Fasciocutaneous and osteocutaneous flaps had relatively low blood flow volume, myocutaneous flaps had more, and intraperitoneal flaps had still higher blood flow volume. These differences were statistically significant. Vascular resistance significantly decreased in the same order of comparison. Our findings will help in selecting the most suitable flaps for reconstructive surgery.

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Keisuke TakanariM.D. 

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine

65 Turumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Japan 466-8560

Email: takanari@na.rim.or.jp

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