Abstract
Objective: Assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-powered shears (Harmonic Scalpel) in free flap elevation for head and neck defects.
Method: From January to August 2010, there were 15 patients enrolled, who underwent reconstructive surgery with free flap in our institution. Donor sites were radial forearm in 10, anterolateral thigh in 5, and fibula in 2. HS was used in harvesting the perforators and the vascular pedicles.
Results: All the free flaps were successfully harvested within 50 to 70 min (from skin incision to pedicle ligation). Bleeding was minimal even without tourniquet application. All vascular pedicle dissections were performed without mechanical or thermal damages, and they were anastomosized to proper, recipient vessels.
Conclusion: Based on our experiences, HS is a safe and efficient instrument in harvesting the free flaps, especially because of no increased risk of thermal damage to vascular pedicle.
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