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J Reconstr Microsurg 2005; 21(3): 157-159
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-869820
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Salvage of an Ischemic “Kite” Flap by Arteriovenous Supercharging

Martins Kapickis1 , Aivars Tihonovs1 , T. M. Sunil2
  • 1Centre of Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
  • 2Louisville Hand Surgery, Louisville, Kentucky
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted: November 15, 2004

Publication Date:
06 May 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The neurovascular “kite” flap is a well-established procedure for single-stage reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the thumb. Post-surgical ischemia of the flap due to poor inflow is a rare, but potential, complication. The authors describe a technique of arteriovenous supercharging that was successfully used to salvage such an ischemic flap.

KEYWORDS

Kite flap - salvage - arteriovenous supercharging

REFERENCES

  • 1 Foucher G, Braun J B. A new island flap transfer from the dorsum of the index finger to the thumb.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1979;  63 344-349
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  • 2 Tränkle M, Sauerbier M, Heitmann C, Germann G. Restoration of thumb sensibility with the innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap.  J Hand Surg. 2003;  28B 758-766
    PubMedSearch in Google Scholar

Martins KapickisM.D. 

Centre of Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery of Latvia, Clinical Hospital “Gailezers”

2 Hipokrata street, Riga LV-1038, Latvia