Microvascular Surgery Clinical Research

Pierre B. Saadeh, MD
Alexes Hazen, MD
Jamie P. Levine, MD
John W. Siebert, MD
Mihye Choi, MD
Mark D. DeLacure MD
Nolan S. Karp, MD

The vast diversity of the microsurgery experience at the hospitals served by the IRPS has provided fertile ground for leading edge clinical research. A central relational database tracks all microsurgical activity facilitating intra and inter-institutional outcomes analysis and provides a unique opportunity to study, contrast, and compare an unmatched range of demographic patterns, surgical pathologies, and reconstructive efforts. While the database tracks data since 1982, the latest iteration of the database, which came online in spring 2007, adds a photo documentation feature further facilitating clinical research efforts.

A distinct feature of the database is the revascularization/replantation record which provides ample opportunity for study of the replantation center of the 9 million person New York City catchment region.

Additionally, pioneering efforts in 3-Dimentional scanning of the breast are redefining preoperative planning in microsurgical breast reconstruction.

Recent and ongoing projects reflect the variety of the microsurgical experience and include: Defining the role of free soft tissue reconstruction of craniofacial malformations. Evaluating the effects of stress shielding on rigid fixation of free fibula reconstruction of the mandible. Improving functional outcomes in post ablative head and neck reconstruction. Comparing fixation methods in lower extremity salvage with free tissue transfer. Reviewing the subway amputation experience. Analyzing the thumb replantation experience.