[Free radial antebrachial flap. A retrospective study of 48 cases. Practical applications]

Ann Chir Plast Esthet. 1992 Aug;37(4):428-36; discussion 437.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors have studied 48 chinese forearm free flaps operated since 1982 at St-Louis, Hospital Paris. Analysis of early complications and failures shows that the few problems that occurred seem to involve hemodynamics more than technical problems. The results support the hemodynamic theory about radial forearm free flaps: low-flow flap which contrasts with the wide diameter of the radial artery. This kind of free flap may not support interpositional vein graft for arterial bridging (stasis, distension of the graft then thrombosis), which must be taken into account in the operating procedure. When the radial artery needs to be lengthened, we therefore systematically reduce the risk of thrombosis by re-establishing radial artery outflow for safety: either by distal radial artery anastomosis, or with an arteriovenous shunt.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Forearm / blood supply
  • Forearm / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radial Artery
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps*
  • Suture Techniques