Varioscope M5: a new type of magnification system in anterolateral thigh perforator free-flap surgery

Free microvascular tissue transfer has become a key procedure for the surgical treatment of large tissue defects that requires specialized practitioners and magnification instruments. The operating microscope traditionally has filled this requirement. A study was performed focusing on the evaluation of a new magnification system, the Varioscope M5 (Life Optics, Vienna, Austria), in reconstructive procedures with a perforator free flap. The device was employed by the same operator during dissection and microvascular anastomosis of 12 anterolateral thigh perforator flaps in head and neck reconstruction. The need to operate in a different way, not provided by an operating microscope, gave us the idea of exploring an alternative to the classical visualization systems. Specific advantages such as reduced cost, freedom of movement, auto focus, minimal upkeep, and a variable range of magnification are some of the reasons that convinced us to try this new type of magnification system. Increasing interest in microsurgery magnification highlights the need for further technical developments in this field. We consider the Varioscope M5 an alternative option for surgical magnification in most free tissue transfers, especially when an operating microscope is not supplied.