The role of vein grafts in reconstructive head and neck microsurgery

Abstract Objective: Free tissue transfer is widely used for head and neck reconstruction. In certain circumstances, vein grafting is required to elongate free flap pedicles to connect them to appropriate recipient vessels. Because of controversy regarding the use of interposition vein grafts in free tissue reconstruction, this paper reports vein graft indications, techniques, safety, and outcomes for head and neck microvascular surgery. Methods: Twenty-six patients (23 men and 3 women) who underwent interposition vein grafting concurrent with free tissue transfer were included in this study....

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