Autonomization of Microvascular Free Flaps in Reconstructive Surgery: A Narrative Review
Flap autonomization is a critical but poorly understood process that varies by flap type and patient context. Despite early neovascular activity, the lack of reliable markers necessitates conservative postoperative protocols. Emerging technologies and bioengineered strategies hold promise but require further validation. Standardized criteria to assess vascular independence could significantly improve outcomes in microvascular reconstructive surgery.
Authors
- Leonard Simon Brandenburg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4697-5287)
- Gabriel Hundeshagen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6173-8602)
- Tobias Niederegger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3065-4352)
- Steffen Koerdt
- Jonas Wüster
- Leonard Knoedler
- Max Heiland
Institutions
- University of Freiburg (DE)
- Heidelberg University (DE)
- Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (DE)
- University Medical Center Freiburg (DE)
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (DE)
- Klinikum Ludwigshafen (DE)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Microsurgery
- Published
- 2026-01-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/micr.70186
- Primary Topic
- Reconstructive Surgery and Microvascular Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00