Venous coupler for free-flap anastomosis.

Free-flap surgery has become a routine procedure in breast reconstruction. The microvascular surgical anastomosis remains one of the technically sensitive aspects of free-tissue transfers. Between December 2006 and September 2007, 12 anastomoses were performed with a venous coupling device from Synovis. There were no free-flap failures. Venous congestion occurred in only one case and was managed successfully with leeches. No major complications were observed. The Synovis venous coupling device system allowed a time-efficient and safe venous anastomosis in breast reconstruction.