| A Novel Technique for Microsurgery on Calcified Arteries: Venous Interposition Grafting | |
 |
|
| The technique of venous interposition grafting is described in order to increase the success of micro-anastomoses involving severely calcified vessels. | |
| A Novel Technique for Microsurgery on Calcified Arteries: Venous Interposition Grafting | |
| ,a ,b a | |
aDivision of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT; and bDivision of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA |
|
Correspondence: Isak.Goodwin@hsc.utah.edu |
|
| Keywords: microsurgery, anastomosis, free tissue transfer, calcified vessels, limb salvage |
The indications for free tissue transfer have expanded since the advent of microsurgery over the last 50 years.1 However, microsurgery on vessels containing calcified plaque presents several unique technical challenges. As calcified vessels thicken, they become stiff and difficult to handle during surgery. Needle and anastomotic holes may remain patent, leading to leaks as elasticity is lost. Plaqu .......