Stacked Free Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Warren M. Rozen ◽  
Harmeet K. Bhullar ◽  
Tasneem Belgaumwala ◽  
Venkat Ramakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flaps

Bilateral Lower Abdominal Free Flaps for Unilateral Breast Reconstruction

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (07) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Beahm ◽  
Robert Walton
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flaps

scholarly journals Age and Overweight Are Not Contraindications for a Breast Reconstruction with a TMG-Flap—A Risk and Complication Analysis of a Retrospective Double Center Study Including 300 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 926
Author(s):  
Karl Schwaiger ◽  
Laurenz Weitgasser ◽  
Maximilian Mahrhofer ◽  
Kathrin Bachleitner ◽  
Selim Abed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Analysis ◽  
Postoperative Complications ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Demographic Development ◽  
Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Significant Difference

Introduction: The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a popular and reliable alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. Initially described as a valuable tissue source for women with low body-mass index, indications nowadays have widely expanded. The Western civilization demographic development with its aging population and the steady growing average BMI has led to increasing breast reconstructions with TMG flaps in overweight and aged individuals. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 TMG free flaps for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were evaluated in the form of a retrospective double center cohort study. Data extraction, study group formation and statistical analysis (One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s chi-squared statistical analysis and relative risk calculation) were done specifically to evaluate age and BMI as risk factors for postoperative complications and outcome. Results: No significant differences in patients’ age and BMI in the complication groups compared to the no-complication group could be found. No significant difference regarding the occurrence of complications could be found in any of the formed risk-groups. No significant increase of minor-, major- or overall complications, flap loss or revision surgeries were found in the elderly patient groups or for patients with overweight. Conclusion: Age and overweight do not significantly increase the risk for postoperative complications after breast reconstructions with free TMG flaps. The findings of this study support the fact that microsurgical breast reconstruction with a free TMG flap should not solely be reserved for younger patients and females with a lower BMI.

Designing Lateral Thoracic Wall Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction Using the Ultrasound

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzia Salgarello ◽  
Giuseppe Visconti
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Thoracic Wall ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Thoracodorsal Artery ◽  
The Us ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap ◽  
Artery Perforator ◽  
Color Duplex Ultrasound

Abstract Background Lateral thoracic flaps represent a precious source for partial and total breast reconstruction, in some cases as first option and in other cases as alternative of free flaps. This article describes the ultrasound (US)-based planning of the lateral thoracic wall perforator adipocutaneous flaps and it reports our experience on 52 consecutive flaps. Patients and Methods From November 2018 to May 2021, 52 consecutive lateral thoracic wall perforator flaps were performed using the US-based method for reconstruction of partial breast defects and total breast reconstruction. High-frequency US was performed in all cases prior to surgery to select the best perforator and design the flap. Results Of the 52 cases, 41 were lateral intercostal artery perforator flaps (78.8%), and 11 were thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. Of the 11 TDAP flaps, 2 cases were based on the direct cutaneous branch. Moreover, in two other cases clinically scheduled for lateral thoracic perforator flaps due to the presence of an appropriate axillary roll, no suitable local/regional perforators were detected with the preoperative US examination and the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was performed. Conclusion Preoperative planning of these flaps using US speeds the surgery and makes it easier and more efficient. Therefore, it is reasonable that the color duplex ultrasound is the operative surgeon's tool for mapping the lateral thoracic wall perforators and to appropriately plan each flap.

scholarly journals Bilateral Breast Reconstruction With Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps and Immediate Implant Augmentation

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie K Chu ◽  
Michael DeFazio ◽  
Rene D Largo ◽  
Merrick Ross
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Brca2 Mutation ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Fat Grafting ◽  
Silicone Implants ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Immediate Reconstruction ◽  
Immediate Implant ◽  
Artery Perforator

Abstract The smaller volume of the profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap relative to that of abdominal flaps limits the size of breast reconstruction that may be achieved. Immediate implant augmentation of abdominal free flaps has been performed, but immediate implant augmentation of PAP flaps has never been described. A 54-year-old woman with BRCA2 mutation, submuscular implants, and previous abdominoplasty presented for nipple-sparing mastectomies (NSM). Autologous tissue volume was inadequate to support reconstruction to the desired size. She wished to avoid serial expansion. Skin quality was unsuitable for direct-to-implant reconstruction. The patient underwent bilateral NSM. The previous implants were removed with capsule preservation. Bilateral PAP flaps were harvested and anastomosed to the internal mammary vessels. Moderate classic profile 170-mL smooth round silicone implants were placed into the existing capsule pockets with lateral capsulorraphy. There were no flap, implant, or infectious complications. Initial mastectomy skin and nipple ischemia completely resolved without necrosis. Donor site healing was uneventful. At 8 months, the reconstruction is supple and the implants remain well-positioned without rippling. One minor revision was performed for fat grafting and to correct lateral nipple deviation. PAP flap breast reconstruction with immediate implant augmentation is technically feasible. Advantages include improved prosthetic coverage, allowing for immediate reconstruction to a larger size with reduced concern regarding mastectomy skin necrosis and threat to the device, optimal implant camouflage, and improved substrate for secondary fat grafting if necessary. Level of Evidence: 5

Sampling of Internal Mammary Chain Lymph Nodes during Breast Reconstruction by Free Flaps from the Abdomen

2005 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoran M Arnez ◽  
Marko Snoj
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Internal Mammary Artery ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Microvascular Anastomosis ◽  
Internal Mammary Chain ◽  
Free Flap Transfer ◽  
Internal Mammary

The role of internal mammary chain lymph node removal in breast cancer is still not clarified. Although it has been proven that elective dissection of the internal mammary chain nodes does not improve survival, their selective treatment based on sentinel lymph node biopsy is under evaluation. There is another possibility to establish the status of internal mammary chain nodes - sampling of the nodes during the preparation of the site for microvascular anastomosis to the internal mammary artery and vein for free flap transfer. From August 2002 to December 2003, 54 free flaps were performed for breast reconstruction. In 11 cases, an internal mammary chain lymph node was harvested. A positive internal mammary chain node was found in only one case. In this case, the treatment policy was changed by adding irradiation to the internal mammary chain. The sampling of internal mammary chain nodes during preparation of the site for microvascular anastomosis to the internal mammary artery and vein should be a part of the reconstructive procedure after total mastectomy for invasive breast cancer because it could change the treatment plan.

Safety of Coupled Arterial Anastomosis in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariel McLaughlin ◽  
Brooke E. Porter ◽  
Rachel Cohen-Shohet ◽  
Mark M. Leyngold
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Recipient Site ◽  
Flap Loss ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Internal Mammary ◽  
Arterial Anastomosis

Abstract Background This study compares the outcomes of coupled versus hand-sewn arterial anastomosis in microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods Retrospective chart review of breast reconstruction free flaps performed between 2013 and 2018 was conducted. Primary end points included flap loss, intraoperative arterial anastomosis revision, and operating room takeback. The decision to couple the arterial anastomosis was based on patient's age, surgeon's preference, history of radiation, and vessel quality. All anastomoses were performed under ×3.5 loupe magnification to internal mammary or thoracodorsal vessels. Results Authors reviewed 104 free flaps; two were lost in hand-sewn group; no flaps were lost in coupled group. There was no significant difference in anastomotic revision rate between coupled and hand-sewn arterial anastomosis (p = 0.186) or return to operating room (OR) between coupled and hand-sewn flaps (p = 1.000). Reasons for takeback included venous congestion and hematoma. Conclusion This study reflects that coupled arterial anastomosis in breast reconstruction may be safely performed without increased risk in anastomotic revision, takeback, or flap loss. Decision to couple should be based on surgeon skill, patient age and history, and assessment of flap and recipient site vasculature.

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