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Updated: Jul 20, 2025
Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
Microvascular anastomotic coupler for venous end-to-side anastomoses in head and neck reconstructive surgery
Ulrich Kisser1, Sophie Koepernik2
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Halle, Ernst-Grube-Strasse 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany. ulrich.kisser@uk-halle.de.
Background:
The use of coupler devices has become mainstream in microsurgical end-to-end venous anastomoses (EEA) for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Reports about end-to-side venous anastomoses (ESA) using a coupler are scarce, though.
Methods:
The surgical technique of end-to-side anastomosis using a coupler device is described. End-to-side anastomoses and end-to-end anastomoses with a vascular coupler are compared with respect to postoperative vascular complications.
Results:
124 patients were included, 76 with EEA, 48 with ESA. Postoperative venous complications occurred in 5.3% and 2.1%, respectively.
Conclusions:
ESA is a valuable alternative to EEA when using a coupler device providing more flexibility to the surgeon.
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