Single-vessel arteriovenous revascularization of the amputated ear

Successful single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of a completely amputated human ear is described. This result was followed by an experimental study using a rabbit model, to confirm that an amputated ear could survive replantation with only a single arteriovenous anastomosis. Fifteen animals were placed in one of two experimental groups: Group 1 - arteriovenous replantation, no treatment (n = 6); and Group 2 - arteriovenous replantation with medicinal leeching (n = 9). All ears demonstrated initial reperfusion of the replantation immediately following microanastomosis. Laser Doppler flow readings in the non-leeched replanted ears fell to zero by 8 hr and, by 12 hr, the non-leeched ears demonstrated signs of necrosis. All the leeched, replanted ears demonstrated perfusion and complete viability at the time of sacrifice. The case report, combined with the results from the experimental study, confirm that single-vessel arteriovenous replantation of an amputated ear is feasible.