Use of a veous flap transfer for a small defect of the thumb – a case report – *
The arterial-venous flap is a cutaneous flap nourished by arterial inflow through only the venous system of the flap. This paper describes the reconstruction of a defect after the resection of an ungual malignant melanoma of the thumb with an arterial-venous flap from the radial aspect of forearm. The advantages of a venous flap are 1) preparation of the flap is easier than other flaps with an artery, and 2) the postoperative functional limitation of the donor is minimal. This flap should be indicated for relatively small skin defects in the hand. (Accepted on July 12, 1999) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 25(2) : 113-116. 1999
