Selective heparinization of venous anastomosis in latissimus dorsi free flaps to cover lower‐extremity soft‐tissue defects

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Abstract
Two groups of consecutive patients treated with latissimus dorsi free myocutaneous flaps to cover lower‐extremity soft‐tissue defects were compared for postoperative vascular occlusion. In the first group of 13 patients (group I), there were five (38%) venous occlusions and no arterial occlusions. The second group of 15 patients (group II) was treated with selective heparinization of each venous anastomosis via a 0.35′ catheter sutured into the serratus branch of the donor vein. In this group one patient suffered an arterial occlusion, but no patient suffered a venous occlusion. Statistical analysis using the Fisher exact probabilities test showed a significant decrease in vascular occlusion rate in group II, proving that selective heparinization had a beneficial effect on the venous patency rate.