MAGNETIC-RESONANCE-IMAGING ASSESSMENT OF A MICROVASCULAR ANASTOMOTIC DEVICE FOR FERROMAGNETISM

Microvascular free-tissue transfers have assumed particular importance as reconstructive techniques of choice in centers where ablative surg ery for primary and recurrent malignant disease is a focus in the cont ext of malignant disease, issues of surveillance for recurrence are pa ramount. As clinical experience with the diagnostic imaging characteri stics of flap reconstructions has been acquired, magnetic resonance im aging (MRI) has assumed a prominent role in the evaluation for recurre nt malignant disease. This has provided an important supportive role f or contemporary concepts of immediate reconstruction. The Precise-TM M icrovascular Anastomotic Device (MACD) is based on the friction-fit un ion of implant rings composed of high-density polyethylene and surgica l stainless steel. Many characteristics of the device have been descri bed in histologic and laboratory studies. As yet uncharacterized is th e effect of clinical MRI electromagnetic fields on the device, which i s composed, in part, of type 316 stainless steel. The MACD is in wide use in centers where microsurgeons are experienced with the system and it is designed to facilitate the performance and reliability of micro vascular anastomoses. The implications for MRI as a safe imaging modal ity for the acute perioperative evaluation of patients reconstructed w ith microvascular free flaps anastomosed with the MACD are obvious. MA CD implants of varying sizes were evaluated for displacement in each o f three orthogonal planes within a 1.5 Tesla magnetic field. No change in displacement was observed for any of the devices. Magnetic resonan ce imaging may thus be considered a safe imaging modality For the acut e perioperative diagnostic imaging of free-tissue transfers that have been anastomosed with the MACD.