Clinical Experiences With The 3m Microvascular Coupling Anastomotic Device In Free Flaps.

Kang, Chul Sun; Jung, Sung Hoon; Yun, Sung Ho; Kim, Dong Il

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 1998;25(1):124-130.
Published online January 1, 1998.

Clinical Experiences With The 3m Microvascular Coupling Anastomotic Device In Free Flaps.

Chul Sun Kang, Sung Hoon Jung, Sung Ho Yun, Dong Il Kim

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University.

Abstract

Recently, there is a increasing tendency in microvascular free flap reconstruction. But microvascular free flap transfer requires much time in mastering the suture technique as well as long operation time. Moreover it carrys the risk for thrombosis and total flap failure. So, these factors have inspired the need for quicker and easier methods for microvascular anastomosis. Since the Nakayama`s experimental work on ring-pin anastomotic device, many experimental and clinical works on mechanical anastomosis system have been developed. Authors have tried 3M microvascular anastomotic device in 25 cases of free flap transfer for the last 3 years. The results are as follows: 1) Mean follow-up period was 5.2 months. 2) Mean time for the vein anastomosis was 5.5 minutes. 3) Survival rate of the flap was 100 %. We got a conclusion that 3M microvascular coupling device can be a safe, fast and reliable adjunct for soft and friable venous microvascular anastomosis.

Keywords: 3M coupler; Free flap