An effective technique for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in microsurgery: tapering with a hemoclip

Abstract

Microvascular anastomosis is mandatory for free flap surgery, but free flap transfer can be challenging because of vascular diameter discrepancies during microsurgery. Different methods have been described for preventing vascular discrepancies. The aim of this study was to test a simple technique using a hemostatic clip to taper the vessels. In 12 patients who had free tissue transfer with diameter discrepancies between donor and recipient vessels, tapering with a hemostatic clip technique was used. After key sutures were placed on the vessels, a hemostatic clip was placed in an oblique fashion on the vessel with a larger diameter. After the vessel was tapered and the same diameters in the donor and recipient vessels were achieved, anastomosis was completed. This technique was used in head and neck reconstruction and lower extremity reconstruction. The luminal diameters of arteries, and veins of the flap and recipient differed by 1.6- to 3.0-fold and 1.5- to 2.6-fold, respectively. All the flaps survived without complications. Tapering with a hemoclip technique is a rapid procedure that can be considered for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in free tissue transfers.

Keywords:

• Anastomosis
• artery
• vein
• flap
• reconstructive microsurgery
• microvascular

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Authors contributions

Zulfukar Ulas Bali carried out the conception and design of the study. Acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation of data were done by Zulfukar Ulas Bali, Mustafa Kursat Evrenos and Berrak Karatan. Berrak Karatan drafted the article. Yavuz Kececi carried out the conception of the study, revising it critically for important intellectual content. Levent Yoleri carried out the conception of the study, mentored and done final approval.