Search

While a simple interrupted sutured anastomosis remains the gold standard in microsurgery, the introduction of the microanastomotic coupler device (MACD) has decreased procedure time and thrombosis risk, and improved the patency of venous anastomoses. The aim of this review is to update the evidence-based advantages of the MACD on arteries, based on clinical and experimental data, and to compare them to the hand-sewn approach in free flap transfer. All relevant articles that appeared in the PubMed and Medline/Ovid databases during the past three decades were reviewed. After exclusions, 11 studies were retained and discussed. The MACD had a generally shorter arterial anastomosis time, with improved flap survival and reduced ischaemia compared with the hand-sewn approach. The use of the MACD in arterial anastomosis is an efficient and less time-consuming alternative to the hand-sewn technique, provided that the selection of vessels is appropriate and the vessel diameter is large enough to do the anastomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of HNO is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)