Microvascular Surgery in Westminster, California

Microvascular surgery is performed on very small blood vessels, typically 3 to 5 millimeters in diameter, using an operating microscope, specialized surgical instruments, and tiny needles with ultrafine sutures.

Microvascular surgery is used to reattach severed fingers, hands, arms, and another amputated parts to the body. This is done by reconnecting the small blood vessels, thus restoring circulation before the injured tissue begins to die. Microvascular is also used in reconstructive surgery.

The transplanted healthy tissue from a distant site is called a “free flap”. This healthy tissue is moved to the site of the wound where blood circulation is restored.

Free flap procedures performed at UCSF include:

Breast Reconstruction

• Superior and inferior gluteal flap
• TFL flap
• Ruben’s flap
• Gracilis flap

Trunk

• Abdomen and chest, typically large wounds caused by radiation therapy and cancer surgery

Head and Neck Reconstruction

• Jaw or jawbone (mandible)
• Esophagus
• Scalp
• Cranial base

Legs (Lower Extremities)

• Traumatic wounds
• Post-cancer surgery
• Salvage of amputation stumps
• Bony reconstruction
• Non-healing lower extremity ulcers secondary to diabetes
• Arterial or venous insufficiency

Facial Re-Animation Surgery

• Restoration of facial expression following nerve injury or cancer surgery

Hand

• Wounds
• Digital replacement and reconstruction
• Transplantation of functioning muscle