An effective technique for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in microsurgery: tapering with a hemoclip

Microvascular anastomosis is mandatory for free flap surgery, but free flap transfer can be challenging because of vascular diameter discrepancies during microsurgery. Different methods have been described for preventing vascular discrepancies. The aim of this study was to test a simple technique using a hemostatic clip to taper the vessels. In 12 patients who had free tissue transfer with diameter discrepancies between donor and recipient vessels, tapering with a hemostatic clip technique was used. After key sutures were placed on the vessels, a hemostatic clip was placed in an oblique fashion on the vessel with a larger diameter. After the vessel was tapered and the same diameters in the donor and recipient vessels were achieved, anastomosis was completed. This technique was used in head and neck reconstruction and lower extremity reconstruction. The luminal diameters of arteries, and veins of the flap and recipient differed by 1.6- to 3.0-fold and 1.5- to 2.6-fold, respectively. All the flaps survived without complications. Tapering with a hemoclip technique is a rapid procedure that can be considered for managing vascular diameter discrepancies in free tissue transfers.