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Training a Sophisticated Microsurgical Technique: Interposition of External Jugular Vein Graft in the Common Carotid Artery in Rats
Published on: November 11, 2012
Interposition vein grafts in microvascular head and neck reconstruction
Maxwell C Furr1, Steven Cannady, Mark K Wax
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA. furrm@ohsu.edu
The Laryngoscope
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Interposition vein grafts are crucial in head and neck reconstruction for complex cases like prior radiation or flap failure. Their use in microvascular reconstruction does not negatively impact free flap survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Head and Neck Reconstruction
- Microsurgery
Background:
- Interposition vein grafts are utilized in microvascular reconstruction when direct anastomosis is not feasible.
- Indications often involve complex scenarios such as prior radiotherapy or previous flap failures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the indications for interposition vein grafting in head and neck reconstruction.
- To assess the impact of interposition vein grafts on free flap survival rates.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive case-series design was employed.
- Patient charts undergoing interposition vein grafts for head and neck defects between 1998 and 2009 were reviewed.
Main Results:
- Interposition vein grafts were used in 20 of 1,143 microvascular reconstructions (1.7%).
- Seventy percent of cases involved secondary reconstruction or prior radiotherapy.
- Free flap survival was high at 95% in the interposition graft group, comparable to the overall survival rate of 96%.
Conclusions:
- Interposition vein grafts are frequently indicated in cases of threatened flaps, prior flap failure, radiation, or tumor recurrence.
- The application of interposition vein grafting in microvascular reconstruction is not associated with compromised flap survival.
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