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J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(5): 283-290
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006487
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Increased Patency of Artificial Microvascular Grafts Using Arteriovenous Fistula Loops: A Two-Stage Procedure for Lengthening the Pedicle of Free-Tissue Transfer

Mihye L. Choi, Martin B. Hirigoyen, Wen X. Zhang, Hubert Weinberg, Lester Silver, Jin K. Chun
  • Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The effect of a high-flow system on the patency of artificial microvascular grafts (AMG) was investigated using arteriovenous (A-V) fistula loops made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in a clinically useful longer length. At a second stage, the A-V loops, matured for 7 days, were used as recipient conduits for free-tissue transfer.

The patency rates of 5-cm long PTFE A-V fistula loops were compared with 5-cm and 1-cm long interpositional micrografts in a rat model. The patency rate of the loops at 7 days was 80 percent, compared to 0 percent for both the 5-cm and 1-cm interpositional grafts.

A-V fistula loops matured for 7 days in vivo were divided in their midsections and used as arterial and venous conduits (each 2.5 cm long) for free epigastric flaps (3×6 cm) raised from the contralateral groin. Sixty-seven percent (8/12) of the free flaps were viable at 7 days.

The A-V fistula loop in a high-flow system has a beneficial effect in maintaining patency of AMGs. PTFE fistula loops matured for 7 days can be used as arterial and venous conduits for microsurgical tissue transfer in rats.