Concept of arteriovenous loupes in high-risk free-tissue transfer: history and clinical experiences
✍ Scribed by Simone Brüner; Berthold Bickert; Michael Sauerbier; Günter Germann
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2004
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 431 KB
- Volume
- 24
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0738-1085
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
The present study describes the concepts of arteriovenous (A‐V) loupes prior to microsurgical free flap transfer in a selected high‐risk group of patients. A one‐stage concept was employed in 26 patients; 5 patients underwent two‐stage flap transfer. Seven thrombotic occlusions of the A‐V fistula or flap vessels were recorded; 6 patients underwent successful revision. Overall flap survival was 96.8% and compared favorably to reports in the literature. Defect coverage could be achieved in all but one case. It can be concluded from the data that in selected high‐risk patient groups, i.e., following radiation, compound trauma, chronic infection, or multiple comorbidities, the creation of an A‐V fistula prior to flap transfer may facilitate innovative reconstructive solutions. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.