Simple and reliable procedure for end-to-side microvascular anastomosis: the diamond technique

In the last few decades, microsurgery has become a reliable technique in reconstructive surgery due to numerous technical and conceptual advances. End-to-side anastomosis is currently preferred by many microsurgeons. Many recent clinical and experimental studies showed no significant difference between the slit and hole techniques for end-to-side anastomosis. We propose a different technique, based on geometrical planning of arteriotomies on both the recipient and pedicle artery. The diamond technique is easy to execute, simple, and reliable, with many advantages, and should be kept in mind in selected patients.