Local Intraluminal Irrigation With Argatroban During Free Flap Repair in a Patient With Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Macias, David; Kwon, Daniel I.; Walker, Paul C.; Peterson, Nathaniel R.
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 126:Number 5(2017:May)
• Page Start: 407
• Page End: 410
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: radial forearm free flap -- free flap reconstruction -- microsurgery -- head and neck surgery -- head and neck reconstruction -- head and neck cancer -- argatroban -- heparin-induced thrombocytopenia; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/0003489417693015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objective: This study describes a case of a successful free flap repair using argatroban for local intraluminal irrigation as a substitute to heparin in a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Methods: Case report and review of literature. Results: The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, and the free flap survived without complications. Conclusions: The use of argatroban during microvascular surgery is likely to be safe and simple and may be effective in preventing micro-thrombotic complications during microvascular surgery, and it should be considered as an alternative to heparinized saline for local intraluminal irrigation.