Salvage of free tissue transfers using thrombolytic agents

During the period 1985 to 1988, salvage of free tissue transfers with streptokinase and urokinase was performed in six patients with 83.3 percent success. The no-reflow phenomenon, manifested by poor intraflap flow in spite of a patient arterial anastomosis, was present in four successful patients. Streptokinase was used in four patients with 100 percent success with a dose range of 50,000 to 125,000 U. Urokinase was used in two patients with 50 percent success with a dose range of 50,000 to 100,000 U. Successful cases were reexplored within 6 hr of indication of ischemia. The unsuccessful case was reexplored 9 hr after ischemia as indicated by a laser Doppler flowmeter. Subflap hematoma occurred in one patient. A technique is described that selectively perfuses the free flap with the thrombolytic agent and prevents systemic complications.