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J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40(06): 452-457
DOI: 10.1055/a-2205-2292
Original Article

Comparative Study of Small Vessel (under 0.8 mm) Anastomosed Free Flap and Larger Vessel (over 0.8 mm) Anastomosed Free Flap: Does Supermicrosurgery Provide Sufficient Blood Flow to the Free Flap?

Hyung Bae Kim
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Joon Pio Jp Hong 
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
,
Hyunsuk Peter Suh
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Abstract

Background This study aimed to quantify the blood flow of free flaps and compare the blood flow of small vessel (<0.8 mm) and larger vessel (>0.8 mm) anastomosed free flaps.

Methods This retrospective study included patients treated successfully with a perforator free flap in the lower extremity between June 2015 and March 2017. A color duplex ultrasound system measured the flow volume through the pedicle by analyzing the mean flow peak velocity, flow volume, and flow volume per 100 g of the flap.

Results A total of 69 patients were enrolled in this study. There was no statistical difference in peak velocity between the small vessel anastomosed free flap (25.2 ± 5.6) and larger vessel anastomosed free flap (26.5 ± 5.4). Flow volume (6.8 ± 4.2 vs. 6.3 ± 3.6) and flow volume/100 g (3.6 ± 3.9 vs. 6.2 ± 6.9) also did not show significant differences.

Conclusion Small vessel (<0.8 mm) free flaps showed similar flow velocity and flow volume to larger vessel (>0.8 mm) anastomosed free flaps. Blood flow to the small vessel anastomosed free flap was sufficient despite its small vessel size.

Keywords

free flap - supermicrosurgery - color Doppler ultrasound

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Received: 18 May 2023

Accepted: 05 November 2023

Accepted Manuscript online:
07 November 2023

Article published online:
09 January 2024

© 2024. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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