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The use of venous anastomotic flow couplers to monitor buried free DIEP flap reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomy.


ABSTRACT: Nipple sparing mastectomy with free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction offers excellent aesthetic outcomes but poses a challenge in monitoring the buried flap. Venous anastomotic flow couplers directly monitor buried flaps without the need for monitoring skin paddles. In a two year period we used the Synovis GEM™ flow coupler on 24 DIEP flaps. In our practice, flow couplers are effective in monitoring buried free flaps for breast reconstruction. The avoidance of a second procedure to remove a skin paddle improves patient experience and nullifies the additional flow coupler cost. One patient needed return to theatre when a Doppler wire became dislodged early in the series. There were no other issues with flap monitoring and no flap failures. We offer our tips to optimise flow coupler use.

SUBMITTER: Chadwick SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7061618 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The use of venous anastomotic flow couplers to monitor buried free DIEP flap reconstructions following nipple-sparing mastectomy.

Chadwick S L SL   Khaw R R   Duncan J J   Wilson S W SW   Highton L L   O'Ceallaigh S S  

JPRAS open 20191104


Nipple sparing mastectomy with free tissue transfer for breast reconstruction offers excellent aesthetic outcomes but poses a challenge in monitoring the buried flap. Venous anastomotic flow couplers directly monitor buried flaps without the need for monitoring skin paddles. In a two year period we used the Synovis GEM™ flow coupler on 24 DIEP flaps. In our practice, flow couplers are effective in monitoring buried free flaps for breast reconstruction. The avoidance of a second procedure to remo  ...[more]

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