End-to-end venous anastomosis using the microvascular anastomotic in head and neck detects reconstruction with free flaps

Objective To assess the reliability and useness of using a coupling device for end-to-end venous anastomosis in patients undergoing free-tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction.Methods Twelve patients undergoing surgical resection and head and neck defects were repaired with fibular flap,anterolateral thigh flap and radial forearm flap.The microvascular anastomotic device was used to perform venous anastomosis in these cases.Flap survival and thrombosis of the venous anastomoses were determined.Results There were no flap losses due to venous thrombosis in this series.The venous anastomosis was usually coupled in about 5.3 minutes and appear as an obviously time savings compared with performing a hand-sewn venous anastomosis.Conclusion The microvascular coupler is excellent in end-to-end venous anastomosis and certainly less taxing on the surgeon when compared with standard suture techniques. Key words: Head and neck;  Free flap;  Microvascular anastomotic device;  Venous anastomosis;  Microsurgical technique