Bloodletting therapy using subcutaneous heparin and controlled scarification for venous insufficiency in free flap reconstruction

BACKGROUND: Venous congestion is a significant complication in microsurgical reconstruction and may persist despite surgical revision attempts, as demonstrated in our clinical experience. In cases where repeated surgical interventions are either not feasible or unsuccessful, alternative methods like bloodletting therapy using subcutaneous heparin injection may be beneficial. METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective report evaluated six patients who underwent microsurgical tissue transfers between 2019 and 2025 and developed refractory venous congestion. Patients were managed with a standardized protocol involving a single subcutaneous injection of 10 IU heparin administered into the congested flap zone at initiation. Dermal windows measuring approximately 2 × 5 mm were created and during follow-up, heparin-soaked gauze pads (1000 IU heparin in sterile saline) were applied over the dermal windows to sustain bleeding. If bleeding diminished, windows were gently enlarged or new sites were created. RESULTS: The mean age of the six patients was 30.8 years (range 12-63). Total flap survival was achieved in three patients (50%), partial loss in two patients (33%), and marginal loss in one patient (17%). Treatment duration ranged from 3 to 10 days, with a mean transfusion requirement of 1.8 units per patient (Range 0-6 units). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous heparin combined with controlled scarification represents a safe, practical, and potentially effective method to manage persistent venous congestion when surgical revision is unsuccessful or contraindicated. Future prospective studies are warranted to better define its role and optimize outcomes.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Describes modern chemical bloodletting using subcutaneous heparin plus controlled scarification as MLT alternative for venous insufficiency in free flaps — useful when leeches unavailable.

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