The importance of topical heparin in microvascular anastomoses: a study in the rat

The importance of heparinised saline irrigation of the vessel ends in microvascular anastomoses may be under-estimated. Recent thrombosis research is reviewed which suggests that heparin is selectively adsorbed onto endothelium, thereby preventing thrombus formation. This evidence is invoked to explain the results of a free flap experiment in the rat and to make some practical recommendations.