Application of microvascular coupling device for arterial anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of microvascular coupler for arterial anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction during a 2-year period at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital. METHODS: Twenty-one cases of microvascular free flaps from October 2013 through December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Flap survival and thrombosis of the arterial anastomoses were determined in these cases. RESULTS: A total of 21 consecutive patients underwent microsurgical head and neck reconstruction, including 7(33.33%) radial forearm, nine(42.86%) fibular and 5(23.81%) anterior lateral thigh free flaps. There was 1 complication related to arterial thrombosis in this series, requiring surgical reexploration and a sutured anastomosis was performed. There were no complications related to technical performance of the coupling device. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a coupler device shows reliability for arterial anastomosis in head and neck reconstruction. With proper vessel selection and sufficient experience using the microvascular coupler, arterial coupling may be performed in an expeditious, safe, and reliable fashion with minimal morbidity. Though not commonly practiced, use of coupling device for arterial anastomosis can significantly save time, which is a viable alternative to sutured anastomosis.