Arterialized free flap. Report of four cases

In 1985, we applied an arterialized vein stem free flap in 4 cases with success in 3. In making this flap the superficial vein with the covered skin of the limb was used. In operation the flap was inverted and the 2 ends of the vein stem were anastomosed with the artery of the recipient area. Rapid arterial blood flow not only provided blood supply to the flap, but through the "venous network shunt" and "tidal pressure difference of artery" maintained blood circulation of the flap. The details of technique and the changes of blood circulation after flap transfer are described, as are indications advantages and mechanism of blood circulation of the flap, and factors affecting the circulation.