Venous Thromboprophylaxis and Monitoring the Changes in Venous Pressure in Transferred Tissues after Free Flap Reconstruction By Placing a Catheter in the Vein

Background: In free flap reconstruction after limb injury, venous thrombosis often becomes a problem. Although persistent perfusion techniques have been used to monitor the changes in venous pressure in transferred tissue, there has been no technique designed for venous thromboprophylaxis. The authors have devised a persistent perfusion technique that can be used in the vein of transferred tissue to flush intravenous clots while simultaneously monitoring changes in venous pressure.

Methods: The patency of the vein was monitored and maintained by placing a catheter in a vein in the flap over a period of one week after surgery. The study included four cases of free flap reconstructive surgery following limb injury.

Results: All of the free flap reconstructions were successful. 

Conclusions: The technique of persistent perfusion in the vein in the free flap maintains patency of the venous channel and increases the viability of the transferred tissue.