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image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Microsurgeryarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Microsurgery
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: Wiley Online Library User Agreement
Data sources: Crossref
image/svg+xml Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao Closed Access logo, derived from PLoS Open Access logo. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Closed_Access_logo_transparent.svg Jakob Voss, based on art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina and Beao
Microsurgery
Article . 2025
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Bloodletting Therapy Using Subcutaneous Heparin and Controlled Scarification for Venous Insufficiency in Free Flap Reconstruction

Authors: Can Ege Yalcin; Berrak Karatan; Anil Demiroz;

Bloodletting Therapy Using Subcutaneous Heparin and Controlled Scarification for Venous Insufficiency in Free Flap Reconstruction

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Venous congestion is a significant complication in microsurgical reconstruction and may persist despite surgical revision attempts, as demonstrated in our clinical experience. In cases where repeated surgical interventions are either not feasible or unsuccessful, alternative methods like bloodletting therapy using subcutaneous heparin injection may be beneficial. Methods This descriptive, retrospective report evaluated six patients who underwent microsurgical tissue transfers between 2019 and 2025 and developed refractory venous congestion. Patients were managed with a standardized protocol involving a single subcutaneous injection of 10 IU heparin administered into the congested flap zone at initiation. Dermal windows measuring approximately 2 × 5 mm were created and during follow‐up, heparin‐soaked gauze pads (1000 IU heparin in sterile saline) were applied over the dermal windows to sustain bleeding. If bleeding diminished, windows were gently enlarged or new sites were created. Results The mean age of the six patients was 30.8 years (range 12–63). Total flap survival was achieved in three patients (50%), partial loss in two patients (33%), and marginal loss in one patient (17%). Treatment duration ranged from 3 to 10 days, with a mean transfusion requirement of 1.8 units per patient (Range 0–6 units). Conclusion Subcutaneous heparin combined with controlled scarification represents a safe, practical, and potentially effective method to manage persistent venous congestion when surgical revision is unsuccessful or contraindicated. Future prospective studies are warranted to better define its role and optimize outcomes.

Country
Turkey
Keywords

Male, Adult, Microsurgery, Adolescent, bloodletting, Injections, Subcutaneous, scarification, heparin, Free Tissue Flaps, Young Adult, Cicatrix, Postoperative Complications, salvage, venous insufficiency, Humans, Child, free flap, Retrospective Studies, Heparin, Graft Survival, Anticoagulants, microsurgery, Middle Aged, Plastic Surgery Procedures, Venous Insufficiency, Female

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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Average
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