Use of type III venous flaps: single- and multistaged procedures.

Abstract

Two cases are presented in which the principles of type III (arteriovenous) venous flaps were applied in single- and multistage procedures. In the first case, the flap was used for correction of a post-thermal burn adduction contracture of the first web space of the hand as a one-stage microvascular free flap and in the other for the resurfacing of a post-traumatic defect on the dorsum of the foot as a two-stage transfer. A brief review, along with the technique, advantages, mode of survival, and feasibility of using type III venous flaps, is presented. A simple classification of type III venous flaps is also suggested.