The pedicled venous flap. Clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic skin defects on digits pose a reconstructive challenge.
• Pedicled venous flaps offer a potential solution for covering these defects.

Observation:

• A clinical application of pedicled venous flaps was performed in seven cases.
• The study focused on traumatic skin defects affecting the digits.

Findings:

• Five pedicled venous flaps survived successfully when transferred to digits other than the thumb.
• Two flaps transferred from the index finger to the thumb experienced partial necrosis.
• A short draining vein appears to be a critical factor in preventing flap necrosis.

Implications:

• Pedicled venous flaps are a viable option for digit reconstruction.
• Careful consideration of venous drainage length is essential for successful thumb flap transfers.
• Further research may optimize pedicled venous flap techniques for digit coverage.