The vessel protector: an instrument for operative microsurgery.

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery and reconstructive surgery.
• Surgical instrumentation and innovation.

Background:

• Advancements in microsurgery and free flap transfers necessitate improved techniques for vascular pedicle dissection.
• Current methods for protecting vascular pedicles rely heavily on surgeon experience, posing potential risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel microsurgical instrument designed to protect vascular pedicles during flap harvest and dissection.
• To assess the efficacy and advantages of the vessel protector compared to conventional dissection tools.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new microsurgical instrument: the vessel protector.
• Experimental and clinical trials to test the instrument's performance in protecting and holding vascular pedicles.
• Comparison of the vessel protector with traditional jeweler's forceps and scissors for dissection.

Main Results:

• The vessel protector successfully protected structures within a distal coiled end while securely holding them.
• Demonstrated advantages over conventional dissection techniques using forceps and scissors.
• Instrument facilitates enhanced protection of critical vascular structures during microsurgical procedures.

Conclusions:

• The developed vessel protector is an effective tool for safeguarding vascular pedicles in microsurgery.
• This innovation offers significant benefits for the safe and reliable execution of free and pedicled flap transfers.
• The instrument represents a valuable advancement in microsurgical instrumentation, potentially reducing surgical complications.