Arterialized venous flap for treating multiple skin defects of the hand

An arterialized venous flap, with arterial blood flowing only through the vein of the flap, was used in each of five patients to cover multiple digital skin defects caused by trauma or burns. Four flaps survived completely, and one showed 30 percent partial necrosis. Although this procedure will require additional refinement, it permits a certain range of motion of the involved digits prior to flap division and inset.