Lower extremity free flap reconstruction outcomes using venous coupler

BACKGROUND: Microvascular anastomotic coupling devices have been available to microsurgeons for over 20 years. Many studies have validated the efficacy of these devices for venous anastomosis. To date, there have been no large reports of their success in the anatomical region with the highest free flap failure rate, the lower extremity. METHODS: A retrospective review of 67 consecutive patients who underwent lower extremity microvascular reconstruction performed from August 2003 to September 2010 was performed. Patient charts were reviewed for age, sex, medical comorbidities, etiology of defect, location of defect, flap type, anastomotic technique, complications, flap survival, and limb salvage outcome. RESULTS: No patients returned to the operating room to have an arterial or venous anastomosis revised. Despite 100% vascular anastomosis patency rates in 67 consecutive lower extremity free flaps, flap survival rate was 95.5%. Total complication rate (13.4%) was due to two partial and one complete flap loss, three infections, two skin graft loses, and one hematoma. There were no intraoperative or perioperative complications involving the use of a microvascular anastomotic coupling device itself. Thirty-day and long term limb salvage rate was 97% and 92.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Microvascular anastomotic coupling devices create effective venous anastomoses in lower extremity microvascular reconstruction. Thus, it presents an important tool in the armamentarium for lower extremity microsurgical reconstruction.