Vascularized flap transfer to fingers with volar digital veins as recipient vessels. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Chao; Wang, Zeng Tao; Hao, Li Wen; Liu, Yang; Liu, Huan Long
• Is Part Of: Journal of hand surgery. Volume 44:Number 10(2019)
• Page Start: 1019
• Page End: 1025
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Free flap transfer -- volar veins -- soft tissue defects -- finger injury; 617.575059
• DOI: 10.1177/1753193419866413
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-1934

Abstract

Traditionally free vascularized flap transfers to the fingers connect to the proper digital artery and dorsal veins. We report our experience using the volar digital veins as recipient veins for free vascularized flap transfers in 14 fingers of 12 patients. One or two veins (three flaps with two veins, 11 flaps with one vein) of the flap were anastomosed to volar digital veins in the recipient site. The arteries of these flaps were connected to the proper digital arteries. All the transferred flaps survived. No vessel crisis occurred. Our patients demonstrated that volar veins can be the recipient veins for free flap transfers in the fingers without increased risk of venous crisis and flap loss. Level of evidence: IV