Anterolateral Thigh Flap in a Chicken Model: A Novel Perforator Training Model

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (07) ◽  
pp. 485-488 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfio Luca Costa ◽  
Filippo Cucinotta ◽  
Antonina Fazio ◽  
Gabriele Delia ◽  
Mariarosaria Galeano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Swine Model ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Chicken Legs ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Chicken Model

Background Preclinical training in perforator flap harvesting is typically conducted on living animal models; however, repeated training is not possible with these models because of ethical and/or economical constraints. We describe an anterolateral thigh flap (ALT flap) training model using chicken thigh that seems to be an appropriate training model prior, for example, to raise a perforator flap in a living rat or swine model. Methods A total of 10 chicken legs were used in this study. Six chicken legs were anatomically dissected to confirm the presence of the perforator and to identify the main vascular tree. In four chicken legs, a skin flap was planned based on the perforator and intramuscular dissection was performed under magnification. Results The perforator was identified in all dissections and was consistently found 3 cm above the line extending from the patella to the head of the femur in its third proximal. Proximally, the mean diameter of the artery and vein was 0.56 (σ = 0.04) and 0.84 (σ = 0.06) mm, respectively. The mean dissection time to raise the flap was 88 (σ = 7) min. Conclusion This is the first description of a nonliving biological simulation model for training in perforator flap dissection that mimics an ALT flap. As an ex vivo chicken model, it is a cost effective and readily accessible model suitable for repeated practice.

scholarly journals Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap for Closure of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor Site: a Case Series and Our Experience

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feiyu Cai ◽  
Yanshi Liu ◽  
Kai Liu ◽  
Jiasharete Jielile ◽  
Aihemaitijiang Yusufu
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Island Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Mean Size ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Alt Flap

Abstract Purpose: With the development of microsurgical techniques, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been widely used in reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. However, there were few studies focusing on the closure of the ALT flap donor site, especially when the width of the harvested ALT flap was more than 6 cm. The purpose of this study was to share our experience of using Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap (KDPIF) to repair the ALT flap donor site where can’t be closed without a skin graft.Method: A retrospective study was used to analyze 12 patients who underwent the reconstruction of the ALT flap donor site using KDPIF from February 2018 to December 2020. Demographics, flap characteristics, surgical technique, postoperative complications, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) score were statistically analyzed.Results: 12 patients (10 males, 2 females) with the mean age 47.5 years (range, 27-66 years) were included in this study. All ALT flap donor sites were closed by the KDPIF. The mean size of the harvested ALT flap (the donor site size) was 8.1 cm × 14.4 cm (range from 8.0 cm × 11.0 cm to 9.0 cm × 21.0 cm), and the mean size of keystone flap was 9.1 cm × 16.4 cm (range from 8.0 cm × 13.0 cm to 12.0 cm × 19.0 cm). At the mean follow-up of 8.3 months (range, 6-12 months), two patients suffered from the skin infection around the flap, which was controlled under the treatment of wound dressing change and oral antibiotics. Wound dehiscence, osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS), venous return disorder, and skin necrosis were not presented in any patients. All patients were evaluated at the final follow-up with ASS core (mean, 6.7; range, 5-8) and SCAR core (mean, 7.3; range, 6-9).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the KDPIF that can be used to close the ALT flap donor site primarily is an effective and alternative treatment for patients with a the width of the donor site more than 6 cm including the advantages of high survival rate, low morbidity, good aesthetics, and simple operation.

scholarly journals Free anteromedial thigh perforator flap: Complementing and completing the anterolateral thigh flap

2017 ◽  
Vol 50 (01) ◽  
pp. 016-020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dushyant Jaiswal ◽  
Amol Ghalme ◽  
Prabha Yadav ◽  
Vinaykant Shankhdhar ◽  
Akshay Deshpande
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Head And Neck Reconstruction ◽  
Neck Reconstruction ◽  
Circumflex Femoral Artery ◽  
First Choice ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Alt Flap

ABSTRACT Objective: Theobjective of this study was to determine the indications, utility, advantages and surgical approach for the anteromedial thigh (AMT) flap. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of the patients in whom the AMT flap was used for head and neck reconstruction. We use an anterior approach to harvest the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with a non-committal straight line incision. This preserves both ALT and AMT flap territories intact, and further decision is based on the intraoperative anatomy of perforator and pedicle. The ALT flap was usually used as the first choice when available and suitable. Results: Free AMT skin flaps were harvested in 24 patients. All flaps were used for the head and neck reconstruction. Two flaps had marginal flap necrosis. One flap was lost due to venous thrombosis. Discussion: The thigh is an excellent donor site as it has large available skin territory, expendable lateral circumflex femoral artery system and low donorsite morbidity. The ALT flap is the most commonly used flap for reconstruction of soft-tissue defects. However, it is characterised by variable vascular pedicle and perforator anatomy. The AMT flap is an excellent alternative when the ALT flap is not available due to variable perforator anatomy, injury to perforator, when an intermediate thickness is needed between distal and proximal thigh or a chimeric flap is needed. Conclusion: The AMT flap offers all the advantages of the ALT flap without increasing donor-site morbidity. The anterior non-committal approach keeps both the ALT and the AMT flap options viable.

Color Doppler Ultrasound versus Computed Tomography Angiography for Preoperative Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforator Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reece Moore ◽  
Donna Mullner ◽  
Georgina Nichols ◽  
Isis Scomacao ◽  
Fernando Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Color Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Alt Flap

Abstract Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is a commonly used flap with a predictable, though often variable, perforator anatomy. Preoperative imaging with color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of ALT flap perforators can be a useful tool for flap planning. This study provides a complete review and analysis of the relevant preoperative ALT imaging literature. Methods Studies related to preoperative CDU and CTA imaging were reviewed, and information related to imaging method, sensitivity, false-positive rates, and perforator course identification (musculocutaneous vs. septocutaneous) were analyzed. Results A total of 23 studies related to preoperative ALT flap CDU and CTA imaging were included for review and analysis. Intraoperative perforator identification was compared with those found preoperatively using CDU (n = 672) and CTA (n = 531). Perforator identification sensitivity for CDU was 95.3% (95% CI: 90.9–97.6%) compared with the CTA sensitivity of 90.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.4–96.9%). The false-positive rate for CDU was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.1–4.5%) compared with 2.4% (95% CI: 0.7–4.1%) for CTA. Accuracy of perforator course identification was 95.5% (95% CI: 93.6–99.2%) for CDU and 96.9% (95% CI: 92.7–100.1%) for CTA. Conclusion CDU provides the reconstructive surgeon with greater preoperative perforator imaging sensitivity compared with CTA; however, false-positive rates are marginally higher with preoperative CDU. Preoperative imaging for ALT flap design is an effective tool, and the reconstructive surgeon should consider the data presented here when selecting a flap imaging modality.

scholarly journals Pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for contralateral groin composite defect

2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (01) ◽  
pp. 103-105
Author(s):  
S. P. Bharath ◽  
G. Madhusudan ◽  
Suraj Manjunath
Keyword(s):  
Free Flaps ◽  
Anterior Superior Iliac Spine ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Wide Resection ◽  
Vascular Pedicle ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Vascular Compromise ◽  
Femoral Vessels ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Composite Defect

ABSTRACTPedicled anterolateral thigh flap has been well described for ipsilateral groin defects. Its versatility depends on the intact femoral vessels. When the external iliac and the femoral vessels are absent, especially secondary to wide surgical tumour ablations in the groin region, ipsilateral ALT flap is not an option. Free flaps also are difficult because of lack of recipient vessels. We report a case of composite groin defect following wide resection of recurrent liposarcoma along with encased vessels which was covered with a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap from the opposite thigh. The technique of lengthening the vascular pedicle and medializing the pedicle, to effectively increase its reach to the contralateral anterior superior iliac spine without vascular compromise, is described.

scholarly journals Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of the Innervated and Thinned Anterolateral Thigh Flap in Reconstruction of Upper Limb Defects

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Torres-Ortíz Zermeño ◽  
Javier López Mendoza
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Average Percentage ◽  
Aesthetic Result ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Good Cosmetic ◽  
Alt Flap

Background. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been widely described in reconstruction of the upper extremity. However, some details require refinement to improve both functional and aesthetic results. Methods. After reconstruction of upper extremity defects using thinned and innervated ALT flaps, functional and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated with the QuickDASH scale and a Likert scale for aesthetic assessment of free flaps, respectively. Results. Seven patients with a mean follow-up of 11.57 months and average flap thickness of 5 mm underwent innervation by an end-to-end neurorrhaphy. The average percentage of disability (QuickDASH) was 21.88% with tenderness, pain, temperature, and two-point discrimination present in 100% of cases, and the aesthetic result gave an overall result of 15.40 (good) with the best scores in color and texture. Conclusions. Simultaneous thinning and innervation of the ALT flap lead to a good cosmetic result and functional outcome with a low percentage of disability, which could result in minor surgical procedures and better recovery of motor and sensory function. Level of Evidence. IV.

scholarly journals Salvage of a Near-Total Penile Amputation following Urinary Fistulization and Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection with a Composite ALT Flap and Vascularized Fascia Lata

2021 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. e237-e240
Author(s):  
Ricardo Horta ◽  
Margarida Mendes ◽  
Diogo Barreiro ◽  
Alexandre Almeida ◽  
Mariana Jarnalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Fascia Lata ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Salvage Procedure ◽  
Penile Amputation ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Circumferential Reinforcement ◽  
Complex Wounds ◽  
Alt Flap

AbstractReconstruction of complex penile defects is always challenging, as some defects are not possible to reconstruct with skin or mucosa grafts, and even local flaps may be precluded in complex wounds. We present a case of a 63-year-old otherwise healthy man, who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia. After the procedure, he developed panurethral necrosis with consequent stricture. Three urethroplasties for reconstruction of the bulbar and distal urethra using buccal mucosa grafts, a preputial flap, and penile skin were performed by urology team in different institutions, but serious urinary fistulization and carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) infection translated in a chronic wound, urethra necrosis, and near-total penile amputation. A composite anterolateral thigh flap and vascularized fascia lata were used with success together with a perineal urethroplasty in different stages, improving the ischemic wound condition. The extended segment of fascia lata was used for Buck's fascia replacement and circumferential reinforcement to cover the erectile bodies of the penis. The postoperative period was uneventful and after 12 months, there were no signs of recurrence or wound dehiscence. He was able and easily adapted to void in a seated position through the perineal urethrostomy that was made. To the best of our knowledge, this procedure has not been reported previously as a salvage procedure in a fistulizated and KPC infected penis, but it may be considered to avoid penile amputation in chronic infected and intractable wounds.

scholarly journals A neglected problem in the utilization of free anterolateral thigh flap toward reconstructing complicated wounds of extremities: the obliteration of deep dead space

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gao-hong Ren ◽  
Da-yong Xiang ◽  
Xiao-hu Wu ◽  
Yun-biao Chen ◽  
Runguang Li
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Application ◽  
Dead Space ◽  
Skin Flap ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Muscle Flap ◽  
Sinus Tract ◽  
Thigh Muscle ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Complex Wounds

Abstract Background Deep dead space may be thought as an independent risk factor of the poor infection control after flap reconstruction in complex limb wounds. But it can be easily neglected. The conventional skin flap and musculocutaneous flap are difficult to obliterate the deep dead space in irregular shape effectively. It was investigated that the clinical application of chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap in the treatment of complex wounds complicated with deep dead space of the extremities in the paper. Methods Fifty-six cases complicated with deep dead space wounds were registered in group. Following thorough debridement and treatment with VSD, the granulation tissues grew with well-controlled infection. And then the chimeric anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used to obliterate the deep dead space and repair the wounds. The postoperative flap survival and infection conditions were evaluated. Results Overall, the infection was effectively controlled, without persistent exudation or sinus tract formation after wound healing. While 5 cases lost to follow-up, the remaining 51 cases were followed up until 15 months on average. Generally, the affected extremities recovered satisfactorily with normal appearances and texture of the flaps, along with normal functions. Importantly, no recurrence of infection was observed. Conclusion During the grafting of chimeric perforator flap pedicled with lateral thigh muscle flap, the muscle flap is recommended to obliterate the deep dead space while the skin flap is being used to cover the wound. The combination of these two technologies performed well in the repair and reconstruction of the complex wounds of the extremities, possessing potential for broader clinical application.

Challenges of Setting up a Lower Extremity Reconstruction Practice in a Constrained Environment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asli Datli ◽  
Ismail Karasoy ◽  
Yucel Genc ◽  
Ozgur Pilanci
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Administrative Support ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Lower Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Set Up

Abstract Background Microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction remains challenging, especially when resources are limited such as lack of proper equipment, human resources, administrative support, and located in a remote area far from tertiary care. Nevertheless, reconstructive solutions are required, especially when in urgent trauma situations. In this article, we evaluate ways of overcoming challenges and issues that should be considered in a newly established unit by sharing our initial lower extremity reconstruction experience. Methods We report a local hospital's initial lower extremity reconstruction experience in February 2017 to January 2018. Through a total of seven patients, we tried to enhance the environment, instruments, nurses' contribution, and perspective of the peers and community in terms of factors related to the surgeon, hardware, environment, supporting faculty, reimbursement, and patients. Results Four patients underwent reconstruction with a freestyle propeller flap and three with an anterolateral thigh flap; in one case, a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was chosen to salvage partial flap necrosis. Increased experience of the surgeon, new equipment, continuing nurse/patient education, and collaborating with other departments allowed us to choose more challenging flaps and be more meticulous while decreasing the operation time and hospital stay. Conclusion To start a lower extremity reconstruction practice in a resource-poor environment, the surgeon needs to evaluate the relevant factors; moreover, he or she should continuously improve them until a working methodology is achieved. Despite all the challenges, the adaptations learned at this center can be applied to other local hospitals around the world to set up a lower extremity reconstruction practice and improve its outcomes.

Neurovascular Anatomy at the “Box Junction”: Considerations in the Anterolateral Thigh Flap

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (04) ◽  
pp. 254-262
Author(s):  
Max Stewart ◽  
Cecilia Brassett ◽  
Ahid Abood
Keyword(s):  
Motor Nerve ◽  
Vastus Lateralis ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Neural Structure ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Reconstructive Microsurgery ◽  
Clinically Significant ◽  
A Site ◽  
Neurovascular Anatomy

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is one of the most widely used flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. This study investigated a previously unexplored and clinically relevant aspect of perforator anatomy: the “box junction” (BxJn), the point at which the perforator arises from its source vessel. Negotiating the BxJn can be a challenging and time-consuming step in flap harvest, due to the neurovascular structures in the area which must be protected from injury. However, as the presence and location of these structures have yet to be clearly defined, painstaking exploration is necessary on each occasion. Knowledge of BxJn anatomy could allow surgeons to harvest the ALT flap more rapidly and safely. Methods We dissected 20 cadaveric thighs and identified perforators to the ALT region and investigated the neurovascular anatomy at their BxJns. Results In 51 BxJns, two clinically relevant vascular structures were identified: an intramuscular artery arising from the perforator (23, 45% of cases) and a “deep” artery to the underlying muscle arising from the source vessel (29, 57% of cases). We confirmed the consistent presence of motor nerve branches and describe one previously unreported, clinically significant variation, in which the nerve to vastus lateralis crosses the BxJn (12, 24% of cases); 36, 71% of BxJns contained at least one vascular and one neural structure. Conclusion Our study confirms that the BxJn is a site of potentially complex and challenging neurovascular anatomy for the surgeon. Based on these results, we propose an algorithm to guide inexperienced surgeons in negotiating this area.

scholarly journals Application of an Iliac Osteocutaneous and Fabricated Chimeric Iliac Osteocutaneous Flap for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction

2017 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. e111-e117
Author(s):  
Zhao Pan ◽  
Ping Jiang ◽  
Shan Xue ◽  
Jian Wang
Keyword(s):  
Blood Supply ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Small Diameter ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Skin Paddle ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Osteocutaneous Flap ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background As understanding of the blood supply by superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) to the skin and iliac bone has improved and the use of a perforator flap has become accepted, most previous drawbacks of SICA iliac osteocutaneous flaps, such as bulky flap, small diameter, and inadequate blood supply to bone, can now be overcome. Here, the authors present their experience of using such flaps for the reconstruction of complex defects in the foot and ankle with a focus on feasibility and safety. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent foot and ankle reconstruction using an SCIA iliac osteocutaneous flap between 2010 and 2015 was performed to assess outcomes. Results Four patients who underwent treatment with SCIA iliac osteocutaneous flaps and eight patients treated with fabricated chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps were identified. The iliac segment size ranged from 1 × 3 × 0.7 to 3 × 6 × 1 cm and the skin paddle size ranged from 1 × 4 to 8 × 16 cm. All flaps survived uneventfully except for marginal necrosis in one anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and one iliac osteocutaneous flap. The median time to bone union was 4 months. All patients were able to walk in normal footwear and none developed significant complications at the donor site. Conclusion The use of free SCIA iliac osteocutaneous and fabricated chimeric iliac osteocutaneous flaps provides an alternative for treating small- and medium-sized bone defects (smaller than 8 cm) along with soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle region.

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