Systemic Nicardipine as an Adjunct to Combat Vasospasm after Prior Flap Failure

Abstract

Summary: Unrecognized or untreated vasospasm in microsurgery can lead to flap hypoperfusion and failure. Numerous strategies have been explored for their efficacy in potentiating vasodilation. We present a case of unrecognized vasospasm leading to flap failure followed by a second free flap reconstruction in which severe vasospasm was treated with systemic nicardipine used as an adjunct to other more commonly employed antispasmodics. Although the literature investigating the use of systemic calcium channel blockade in microsurgery is limited, it should be considered an alternative when addressing arterial vasospasm.