Preliminary clinical experience with the 4 K3-dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the use of a 4 K 3-dimensional microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) system for free flap head and neck reconstruction. METHODS: Clinical human study of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis in patients undergoing reconstruction after ablative surgery for head and neck carcinoma. The video shows the harvesting of a chimeric myofascial/fascio-cutaneous anterolateral thigh free flap and microvascular anastomosis using different techniques. RESULTS: The VITOM 3D exoscope system provided sufficient access, reach, and visualization to perform successfully free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis. Using the 3D glasses, both surgeons and nurses can have the same visualization throughout the entire procedure. We performed 10 arterial and venous anastomosis without significant complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of free flap harvesting and microvascular anastomosis using the 4 K3-Dimensional Microvideoscope (VITOM 3D) System.