Multiple spurting test in microsurgical reconstruction of the lower extremities

Abstract

Appropriate recipient artery is essential for the success of free flap reconstruction, however the selection could be difficult in a traumatized lower extremity. To detect unnoticed damage of the recipient artery, vascular integrity should be verified. For that purpose, we propose a simple and effective evaluation method, called Multiple Spurting Test (MST) this test esteems the dynamic status of the recipient arteries by measuring the length of arterial spurting. All the microsurgeons usually do something like MST: but it is not a standardized test yet.This study analyzed if this test could be a practical method in searching a safe recipient artery during microsurgical reconstruction of lower extremity. MST was employed in 163 flaps, all for lower extremity reconstruction. Fifteen flaps were re-explored in this series. Six of them had arterial problems, three in Anterior Tibial Artery (ATA), two in Posterior Tibial Artery (PTA) and one in Sural Artery (SA). The overall series' re-exploration rate, due to different complications, was 7% when ATA has been the recipient vessel, 7.6% with PTA and 30.7% with SA. Both ATA and PTA found equally reliable after examination with MST. We do believe that MST can effectively decrease the incidence of arterial complications and flap failure. Using this method, it is easier to choose a safe recipient artery for revascularization.