Managing Venous Discrepancy: Simple Method

ABSTRACT

Microvascular anastomosis is an essential technique for free flap transfer and replantation surgery. Size discrepancy in microvascular anastomosis is a common issue in free flap transfer. Different methods are used by microvascular surgeons to solve the problem of vascular discrepancies. We describe a simple technique using Ligaclips^TM that effectively narrows the wider vein in such discrepancy.

KEYWORDS

Venous discrepancy - Ligaclips^TM - anastomosis

REFERENCES

• 1 Chuang D C, Jeng S-F, Chen H-T, Chen H C, Wei F C. Experience of 73 free groin flaps.  Br J Plast Surg. 1992;  45 81-85
• 2 Kroll S S, Schusterman M A, Reece G P et al.. Choice of flap and incidence of free flap success.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1996;  98 459-463
• 3 Hayhurst J W, O'Brien B M. An experimental study of microvascular technique, patency rates and related factors.  Br J Plast Surg. 1975;  28 128-132
• 4 Godina M. Preferential use of end-to-side arterial anastomoses in free flap transfers.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1979;  64 673-682
• 5 Harashina T, Irigaray A. Expansion of smaller vessel diameter by fish-mouth incision in microvascular anastomosis with marked size discrepancy.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1980;  65 502-503
• 6 Ryan A D, Goldberg I, O'Brien B M, MacLeod A M. Anastomosis of vessels of unequal diameter using an interpositional vein graft.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1988;  81 414-417
• 7 Xiu Z F, Song Y-G. A new technique to anastomose vessels with great discrepancy in diameter.  Br J Plast Surg. 1993;  46 619-620
• 8 Lauritzen C. A new and easier way to anastomose microvessels. An experimental study in rats.  Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg. 1978;  12 291-294
• 9 Deshmukh G R, Yang Y, Tellis V A, Gerst P H. A simple cuff-suture technique for microvascular anastomosis.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 1992;  8 491-494
• 10 Albertengo J B, Rodrıguez A, Buncke H J, Hall E J. A comparative study of flap survival rates in end-to-end and end-to-side microvascular anastomosis.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1981;  67 194-199
• 11 Bas L, May Jr J W, Handren J, Fallon J. End-to-end versus end-to-side microvascular anastomosis patency in experimental venous repairs.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1986;  77 442-450
• 12 Ahn C Y, Shaw W W, Berns S, Markowitz B L. Clinical experience with the 3M microvascular coupling anastomotic device in 100 free-tissue transfers.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1994;  93 1481-1484
• 13 Li Y N, Wood M B. End-to-side-anastomosis in the dog using the 3M precise microvascular anastomotic system: a comparative study.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 1991;  7 345-350 discussion 351-352