Using a kidney pump to perfuse a free filet flap for reconstruction after hemipelvectomy: A case report

We present a case of a 75‐year‐old woman with dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma of her right proximal femur. She underwent a “spare parts” surgery using a filet flap from her lower leg. Due to an obligate long ischemia time between flap harvest and revascularization, a kidney transplant perfusion pump was used to flush and cool the flap. After completion of the disarticulation, free tissue transfer proceeded successfully. The patient had an uncomplicated post‐operative course until developing a local recurrence at three months post‐resection. We believe that the perfusion technology already created for solid organ transplant will have expanding indications in the future of free tissue transfer and limb replantation.
Source: Microsurgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: CASE REPORT Source Type: research