CLINICAL USE OF THE 3M 2.5-MM MECHANICAL MICROCOUPLING DEVICE IN FREETISSUE TRANSFER

The long-term patency of the 2.5 mm mechanical microvascular anastomot ic device (the Unilink system) was evaluated in 10 cases of free flap transfer in nine patients between July 1991 and July 1993. Flap surviv al indicated adequate patency to time of healing. All cases were consi dered critical end-to-end venous anastomoses, without a parallel conve ntional microvascular hand-sewn anastomosis associated with the coupli ng device. The types of flaps used were seven rectus abdominous and on e each of serratus anterior and lateral arm muscles and a free jejunum . There were no postoperative complications requiring reexploration. T he 2.5 mm device had a rate of 100% flap take with complete healing at an average of 15 months postoperatively. Selected Doppler flow studie s depicted the coupler device in vivo with duplex scan verification of venous patency. The 2.5 mm coupler is a versatile anastomotic device for vessels with a diameter of 2.4-3.2 mm. This expands the applicabil ity of the UNILINK system for use in larger diameter vessels.