Salvage of an Ischemic “Kite” Flap by Arteriovenous Supercharging

ABSTRACT

The neurovascular “kite” flap is a well-established procedure for single-stage reconstruction of soft-tissue defects in the thumb. Post-surgical ischemia of the flap due to poor inflow is a rare, but potential, complication. The authors describe a technique of arteriovenous supercharging that was successfully used to salvage such an ischemic flap.

KEYWORDS

Kite flap - salvage - arteriovenous supercharging

REFERENCES

• 1 Foucher G, Braun J B. A new island flap transfer from the dorsum of the index finger to the thumb.  Plast Reconstr Surg. 1979;  63 344-349
• 2 Tränkle M, Sauerbier M, Heitmann C, Germann G. Restoration of thumb sensibility with the innervated first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap.  J Hand Surg. 2003;  28B 758-766