Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Step By Step: Microsurgical training method combining two nonliving animal models
Published on: May 9, 2015
A Secure Technique for Microvascular Anastomosis in Arteries with Intimal Dissection: Intimal Sleeve Fold-Over
Tung-Ying Hsieh1, Yu-Hao Huang, Feng-Shu Chang
1From the *Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital; and †Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Background:
Intimal dissection can cause an irregular internal surface with intimal flaps and subendothelial collagen exposure. This has been associated with a high risk of thrombosis. Trimming the artery to a healthy level is routinely recommended to avoid intimal dissection. However, this method is limited when there is inadequate vascular length to work with.
Methods:
We dealt with an artery exhibiting severe intimal dissection by using a new suture technique: the intimal sleeve fold-over technique. Severe arterial intimal dissections were observed in 9 (6.9%) of 130 arterial microvascular anastomoses in free flap reconstruction for oral cancer patients from January 2013 to December 2013. We used this technique in 6 of the 9 patients.
Results:
All 6 patients were discharged as scheduled without perioperative problems and complications during follow-ups. The mean diameters of the recipient and pedicle arteries with intimal dissection were 2.13 and 2.20 mm. The mean time for performing sleeve fold-over procedure of on each artery was 5.1 minutes.
Conclusions:
A secure intima-to-intima contact can be achieved using this technique. This technique can provide an alternative method to intimal dissection when the length of the artery is limited.
