Reduced venous thrombosis and re-exploration time with anastomotic coupling device: A cohort study

Objective In the anastomotic coupling device literature, no comparative study has reported operative times, included consecutive patients, or used a matched comparison group. Our objective was to analyze patency and operative time in free flaps with venous anastomoses performed with ACD versus hand‐sewn. Methods: For consecutive free flaps, re‐explorations and complications were reviewed in duplicate. Operative times for ACD versus hand‐sewn were compared for: (1) matched unilateral DIEPs, and (2) re‐explorations. Results: Overall, 147 ACD and 144 hand‐sewn flaps were included. Venous thrombosis was significantly lower with ACD (1/147[1%] vs.9/144[6%], P