The 17^th National Innovation Awards: Breakthrough microsurgery technology

Our reconstructive microsurgery team in the Surgical and Plastic Surgery Departments led by Professor Hung-Chi Chen developed breakthrough reconstructive microsurgery technology known as “Problem Solving for Amputation Crisis-Vascular Cable Flaps", which significantly reflects the reconstructive characteristics of tissue engineering. It’s a very challenging reconstructive microsurgery and it won the 17^th National Innovation Award.

Professor Hung-Chi Chen said that the reconstructive microsurgery combines many different techniques; when it’s used in surgery it can break through the limitations of the human eyes under the microscope guide. The indication of the technology includes limb replantation, tissue transplantation, reconstruction after head and neck tumor resections, and more. Many delicately determinant procedures in the old days can be replaced using microsurgery to achieve the desired results. The critical success factor is detailed in the seamless pre-operation plan implemented by the professional surgical team.

Vascular cable flaps not only need the mature technology of microsurgery but also a detailed and seamless pre-operation plan and patient assessment. It's a procedure that requires high-level teamwork and completion within the set time period due to the risk of prolonged anesthesia for patients. As the technology is highly focused with its unique “tissue engineering reconstruction”, many international medical researchers have visited us to exchange related experiences, including scholars from the Mayo Clinic in the United States. A lot of related research has been published in famous international journals. 

Patients from seven countries have come to Taiwan to seek medical assistance due to its good reputation. A few successful complicated reconstructions have been completed and patients have been able to return to their normal lives. Such a high level of medical technology in Taiwan has impressed medical personnel and attracted media attention from many advanced countries, including Japan, Germany, the UK, France and Italy. Related news reports in other countries has allowed Taiwan to gain worldwide recognition and a reputation as a medical powerhouse on the international stage.

The reconstructive microsurgery team has made great contributions to medical diplomacy to upgrade the medical image of Taiwan. There are 122 foreign doctors from 26 countries who have come to Taiwan to study. This international networking and medical experience exchanges will form the foundation for Taiwan to step on to the international stage.