PMC3984538_01
(a) Intraoperative view of the microvascular anastomotic coupler used to join the concomitant vein with the external jugular vein (arrow). (b) Exposure of the coupler near the suture line on the patient's neck in the 7 month postoperation (arrow). (c) More than half of the rings of the coupler were exposed (arrow).
eplasty14e18_fig1.jpg
PMC3984538_01_eplasty14e18_fig1.jpg
F1
Two venous anastomoses were performed to join concomitant veins with the external jugular and anterior jugular vein using 2.5 mm microvascular anastomotic couplers (Fig 1a). Seven months after surgery, although the transferred flap appeared healthy, the patient visited us because of exposure of the microvascular anastomotic coupler near the suture line on the right side of his neck (Fig 1b). More than half of the rings of the coupler, which seemed to be the one used for anastomosis to the external jugular vein on the sternocleidomastoid muscle, were exposed (Figs 1a, c).