Ex Vivo Machine Thrombolysis Reduces Rethrombosis Rates in Salvaged Thrombosed Myocutaneous Flaps in Swine

Abstract

icrovascular free tissue transfer is an established and reliable technique in reconstructive surgery, with overall high success rates (95 to 98 percent). 1,2 However, postoperative microvascular compromise remains a serious complication. The majority of free flap failure is attributable to venous thrombosis (74 percent). 3 Various techniques can be used to salvage the flap, such as surgical revision of the anastomosis, mechanical thrombectomy, and administration of heparin solution and/or thrombolytic drugs. 4 However, these interventions are successful in only 50 to 70 percent of cases, depending