ABSTRACT
The sural artery and vein were used successfully as recipient vessels in nine patients
who required free flap reconstruction about the knee. The anatomy of the sural vessels
and the potential advantages of their use as free flap recipients are reviewed and
discussed. Indications include popliteal vessels that are absent or severely damaged,
as determined by preoperative angiography. No anastomotic complications were encountered
in this series, indicating that the sural artery and vein can be used successfully
as recipient vessels.
