Open Access
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2023; 50(01): 096-100
DOI: 10.1055/a-1987-3338
Extremity/Lymphedema
Idea and Innovation

MicroSUCI: A Microsurgical Background That Incorporates Suction Under Continuous Irrigation

Theodora Papavasiliou 
1   Research and Development Lab, Stelth, Larnaca, Cyprus
,
Stelios Chatzimichail
1   Research and Development Lab, Stelth, Larnaca, Cyprus
,
Ankur Khajuria
2   Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, White City Campus, London, United Kingdom
3   Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
,
Joon-Pio Hong 
4   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
› Author Affiliations
Funding None.
› Further Information
  Permissions and Reprints
Preview

Abstract

The microsurgical anastomosis is integral to the success of autologous-free tissue transfer. Successful performance of this procedure relies strongly on operator dexterity, which can be made more challenging when blood and edematous fluids obscure the field of view. Workflow is impeded by intermittent irrigation and suctioning, necessitating presence of an assistant, with risk of arterial thrombosis, from vessels being drawn into suction drains. To negate these current disadvantages and minimize the barrier of entry to microvascular operations, we designed, manufactured, and patented a novel three-dimensional printed microsurgical background device with microfluidic capabilities that allow continuous suction and irrigation as well as provide platforms that enable multiangle retraction to facilitate operator autonomy. This was validated in an ex vivo model, with the device found to be superior to the current standard. We believe that this will have major applicability to the improvement of microsurgeon

Keywords

microsurgical - innovation - 3D printing - background

Authors' Contributions

TP wrote the first draft of the manuscript. All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript and approved the final version of the manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 15 June 2022

Accepted: 10 November 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 November 2022

Article published online:
06 February 2023

© 2023. The Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA