Effect of monophasic blood flow on the patency of microvascular anastomoses

The effect of monophasic blood flow on the patency of microvascular anastom oses in the rat femoral artery was evaluated by the authors. An experimenta l model of monophasic blood flow was created in the rat femoral artery to s imulate that seen in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Microvascul ar anastomoses were performed, and the patency at the first hour and 24 hr later was determined. The studies demonstrated that microarterial anastomot ic patency was the same when performed in vessels with monophasic or tripha sic flow patterns. The authors conclude that monophasic blood flow is not a n absolute contraindication For free-tissue transfer.