Ultrasound evaluation of microanastomosis.

The Doppler ultrasound flowmeter with a pencil probe, emitting at a frequency of 10 megacycles/second, was used to making recordings along intact and repaired digital arteries and veins. In normal digital arteries, the flow averaged 3.78 ml/min. The ability of the method to appraise the condition of an anastamosis was evaluated in five patients with partial or complete digit, hand, or arm replants, and found quite satisfactory. Beginnings were made in developing criteria for satisfactory flow in these small arteries.