Usefulness of Harmonic Focus during anterolateral thigh flap elevation
Atsumori Hamahata1, Takashi Saitou, Kazuyuki Kubo
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. a.hamahata@gmail.com
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|October 2, 2012
Summary
The Harmonic Focus handpiece reduced operation time and silk ligatures during anterolateral thigh flap elevation. Hemostasis and postoperative drainage were comparable to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Pedicle dissection in flap elevation requires meticulous hemostasis and ligation.
- Traditional methods may involve significant operative time and bleeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Harmonic Focus handpiece for anterolateral thigh flap elevation.
- To assess its impact on operation time, bleeding, and drainage volumes.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving ten patients undergoing flap elevation.
- Patients were divided into two groups: Harmonic Focus handpiece and a control group.
- Key metrics included operating time, blood loss, and postoperative drainage volume.
Main Results:
- The Harmonic Focus group demonstrated reduced operating time compared to the control group.
- Bleeding and postoperative drainage volumes were similar between the groups.
- A significant reduction in the number of silk ligatures was observed in the Harmonic Focus group.
Conclusions:
- The Harmonic Focus handpiece is advantageous for flap elevation, reducing operative time and the need for ligatures.
- While having a higher initial cost, its benefits in plastic surgery warrant consideration.
- Increased adoption of Harmonic Scalpel technology in plastic surgery is anticipated.
