Clinical case experience using microsurgical venous flaps for soft-tissue coverage of the lower extremity

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.