An original flap: the arterialized venous flap
Mimoun, M.; Baux, S.; Kirsch, J.M.; Fahed, I.
Annales de Chirurgie Plastique et Esthetique 31(3): 219-224
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0294-1260 PMID: 2435207 Document Number: 272658
The wide range of flaps already available has been considerably increased over recent years. Flaps with well defined vascular pedicles, either by means of a direct cutaneous artery or by a musculocutaneous artery have been added to the traditional free flaps with no defined vascular pedicle. The arterialised venous flap is an original concept which can be added to this therapeutic arsenal. The case presented here is, to our knowledge, the first human application published in which an arterialised vein is used as the arterial pedicle. The present case was a 50 year old man with osteitis of the lower third of the leg associated with acutaneous tissue defect. A free pedicle flap using the arterialised superficial radial vein with end-to-side microanastomosis to the posterior tibial artery followed successful cover of the cutaneous defect, following cure of the osteitis. Various techniques are used to ensure venous drainage of the flap. A period of arterial autonomisation of the flap is required prior to removal of the flap. The many advantages of this type of flap include: fineness, no larger artery loss, suitable for various parts of the body. The arterialised venous flap therefore constitutes a new possibility for cutaneous reconstruction in plastic surgery.