Geometric Three-Dimensional End-to-Side Microvascular Anastomosis: A Simple and Reproducible Technique

Abstract

Background End-to-side (ETS) anastomoses are useful when preservation of distal vascularity is critical. The ideal ETS microanastomosis should maintain a wide aperture and have a smooth take-off point to minimize turbulence, vessel spasm, and thrombogenicity of the suture line. We have developed a unique, dependable, and reproducible geometric technique for ETS anastomoses, and analyze its efficacy in our series of patients. Methods The geometric ETS technique involves creating a three-dimensional (3D) diamond-shaped defect on the recipient vessel wall, followed by a slit incision of the donor vessel to create a “spatula” fitting this defect. This technique removes sutures from the point of most turbulent blood flow while holding the recipient vessel open with a patch vesselplasty effect. We perform a retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience using this technique. Results The geometric 3D ETS technique was used in 87 free flaps with a total of 102 ETS anastomoses in a wide range of cases including head and neck, trunk and genitourinary, and extremity reconstruction. Overall, free flap success rates were 98%. Conclusions The geometric 3D ETS technique creates a wide anastomosis, minimizes turbulence-inducing thrombogenicity, and mechanically holds the recipient vessel open. It is reliable and reproducible, and when performed properly has been shown to have high rates of success in a large group of free tissue transfer patients.