Lateral Femoral Circumflex Arterial System as Donor Vessels for Extremity Replantation

• Main Authors: Erin M. Taylor, Matthew L. Iorio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2016-08-01
• Series: Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery Open
• Subjects: extremity replantation; lfca; vascular grafting
• Online Access: http://www.thieme-connect.de/DOI/DOI?10.1055/s-0036-1587338

Abstract Background Forearm replantation presents with many challenges, including the need for vascular graft material for revascularization. Although frequently harvested for vascular reconstruction, the saphenous vein is often suboptimal for use as vascular conduit due to peripheral vascular disease, atherosclerosis, or size and length limitations. Methods We describe the use of the lateral femoral circumflex arterial (LFCA) system for arterial and venous graft in the case of a proximal forearm replantation. Results The LFCA system provided significant amounts of arterial and venous graft after the saphenous vein was found to be suboptimal for conduit in the case of forearm replantation. Postoperatively, the patient developed wound-healing complications at the saphenous vein harvest site but not at the LFCA donor site. The forearm revascularization was successful with recovery of sensation in his digits by 15 months postoperative. Conclusion The LFCA system is a viable and possible superior alternative to the saphenous vein in vascular reconstruction, providing significant amounts of venous and arterial graft with potentially decreased donor site morbidity and through a well-known approach.