Table 1.
Population, overall outcome, study type and attributed level of evidence
| Study | Country | Population | Outcome | Study type | Level of evidence6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker et al. 20128 | UK | 29 patients undergoing free tissue transfer for head and neck pathology | A functional fibrinogen to platelet ratio above 42% as measured by TEG may be useful in identifying patients likely to develop thrombotic complication | Retrospective case series | 4 |
| Murphy et al. 20139 | UK | Single patient with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing extensive periorbital reconstruction | The use of TEG allows for targeted clotting supplementation which may reduce over-correction of platelet and/or clotting factor deficiencies and reduce free flap complications | Case report | 5 |
| Kolbenschlag et al. 201410 | Germany | 181 consecutive patients undergoing free flap surgery | ROTEM seems to be able to identify patients that are prone to thrombotic complications and might be used as a screening tool | Retrospective case series | 4 |
| Wikner et al. 201511 | Germany | 35 patients undergoing free flap surgery | The utilisation of thromboelastometry allows for assessment of the anticoagulation needs of individual patients undergoing free flap surgery | Prospective cohort | 3 |
| Zavlin et al. 201812 | USA | 2 patients with factor V Leiden undergoing DIEP reconstruction | TEG was used in the first 72 hours to monitor patient's hypercoagulability and prevent flap thrombosis | Case report | 5 |
| Zavlin et al. 201813 | USA | 100 consecutive patients undergoing abdominal free flap reconstruction (172 flaps) | TEG is a useful adjunct for monitoring coagulation status in microsurgical breast reconstruction | Retrospective case series | 4 |
| Ekin et al. 201914 | Turkey | 77 patients undergoing free flap reconstruction | There was no significant relationship between pre-operative and post-operative TEG and flap complications and loss | Retrospective case series | 4 |
| Vanags et al. 20207 | Latvia | 103 consecutive adult patients with traumatic injuries undergoing free flap surgery | In the late surgery group, thromboelastometry supports the detection of hypercoagulability and predicts free flap thrombosis risk | Prospective cohort | 3 |