Clinical Case Experience Using Microsurgical Venous Flaps for Soft-Tissue Coverage of the Lower Extremity

Can Zhu; Feng Zhang; Man-Ping Lei; Tanya Oswald; William C. Lineaweaver

doi:10.1055/s-2003-39830

Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Table of Contents

J Reconstr Microsurg 2003; 19(3): 173-178
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39830

Clinical Case Experience Using Microsurgical Venous Flaps for Soft-Tissue Coverage of the Lower Extremity

Can Zhu, Feng Zhang, Man-Ping Lei, Tanya Oswald, William C. Lineaweaver

Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Numerous venous flap models have been experimentally introduced and clinically attempted in reconstruction of soft-tissue defects. The authors report experience in soft-tissue coverage with microsurgical saphenous venous flap transfers in five patients with lower-extremity wounds. Four of these flaps failed postoperatively. Unhealthy recipient beds and inflamed veins were potential causes for these flap failures. Easy dissection without sacrifice of the artery would seem to provide an ideal situation for venous flap utilization, but this rate of failure prohibits recommendation of this flap in large, traumatic wounds.

KEYWORDS

Microsurgical venous flaps - soft-tissue defects - lower extremity

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References

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