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

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.