Double Thread Suspension: A Novel Technique to Facilitate End-to-Side Venous Anastomosis With a Microvascular Coupling Device in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Abstract

Microvascular free tissue transfer has become a mainstay for head and neck reconstruction, and vascular anastomosis is 1 of the most challenging aspects. This study aimed to explore a safe, convenient, and efficient technique for end-to-side venous anastomosis using the coupling device. We evaluated a novel surgical strategy, double thread suspension (DTS), by reviewing data collected in a consecutive series of 60 patients who underwent free tissue grafting after surgical resection of head and neck tumors. Patients who underwent end-to-side microvascular anastomosis using the microvascular coupler device were randomly divided into the DTS group (n = 30) and the traditional procedure group (TRA, n = 30), the demographic data, coupler size, anastomosis time, microvascular complications, and flap survival were determined. The optional size range of coupler devices in the DTS group is better than that of the conventional group, ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 mm compared with 2.0 to 4.0 mm. The average anastomosis time was 4.68 ± 0.43 minutes in the DTS group which was significantly lower than the conventional group that was 9.24 ± 1.46 minutes (P < .0001) . There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in coupler related complications or flap survival. The novel DTS technique provides the advantages of lowering procedure complexity, reducing operative time, and preventing tearing of vessel wall, therefore making DTS-guided end-to-side anastomosis a safe, relatively straightforward, and reliable technique.