Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography for ALT Flaps Optimizes Design and Reduces Operative Time

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Schneider ◽  
Patrick A. Palines ◽  
Daniel J. Womac ◽  
Charles T. Tuggle ◽  
Hugo St Hilaire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been widely used for perforator mapping in abdominal-based reconstruction, but it is less widespread in the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, CTA may be quite useful for ALT planning, as this flap has demonstrated substantial variability in intrapatient bilateral vascular anatomy. This study investigated whether standard use of preoperative CTA resulted in selection of the donor extremity with preferential perforator anatomy, and whether this affected operative time and postoperative outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 105 patients who underwent proposed ALT flap reconstruction was performed. Seventy-nine patients received bilateral lower extremity CTAs, which were evaluated for dominant perforator anatomy (septocutaneous, musculoseptocutaneous, or musculocutaneous). Donor extremity selection was noted, and predicted perforator anatomy was compared with that encountered intraoperatively. Results Among the 73 patients who received bilateral imaging and ultimately received an ALT, congruent findings between imaging and surgical exploration were observed in 51 (69.8%) patients. Thirty (37.9%) patients had asymmetric perforator anatomy between their bilateral extremities on imaging. Among these, the leg with optimal perforator anatomy was selected in 70% of cases. There were no significant reductions among postoperative complication rates, but selection of the donor site with preferential anatomy was associated with a decrease in operative time (p = 0.049) among patients undergoing extremity reconstruction. Conclusion CTA is a useful tool for optimizing donor site selection for ALT flaps and reducing operative time. We believe that standard use of preoperative CTA in ALTs warrants further consideration.

Catheter-Based Computed Tomography Angiography in Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Mapping of Chinese Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (03) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhongjie Wang ◽  
Jiqiang He ◽  
Liming Qing ◽  
Zhengbing Zhou ◽  
Youming Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
Chinese Patients ◽  
Trauma Patients ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Limb Trauma ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Better Than

Background During reconstructive surgery, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap harvest is challenging due to variation and uncertainty in perforator distribution. We performed a pilot study to identify the predictive value of catheter-based computed tomography angiography (C-CTA) and traditional CTA (T-CTA) in ALT perforator mapping for patients whose ALT perforators were difficult to identify. Methods Thirty-four consecutive T-CTA/C-CTA-mapped ALT flaps were evaluated for extremity reconstruction. The perforator location, origin, and course were compared between T-CTA/C-CTA imaging and intraoperative findings. The mapping efficiency of T-CTA and C-CTA was compared thoroughly. Results Among the 34 ALT thigh flaps, 117 (36) of the 130 perforators identified intraoperatively were visible on C-CTA (T-CTA) in a subgroup of Chinese limb trauma patients with limited activity. C-CTA showed a satisfactory efficiency in perforator mapping, which was much better than the efficiency of T-CTA. C-CTA also showed a much better sensitivity (90.00 vs. 27.69%), specificity (94.74 vs. 66.67%), and accuracy (91.07 vs. 36.69%), and a much lower false-positive (1.68 vs. 26.53%), and false-negative rate (10.00 vs. 72.31%). Moreover, C-CTA could accurately predict the origin and septocutaneous or intramuscular course in all identified perforators. All flaps were elevated successfully and survived. Conclusion C-CTA outperforms T-CTA in the preoperative perforator mapping of ALT flaps in a subgroup of Chinese limb trauma patients. C-CTA should be the method of choice for perforator mapping in patients whose ALT flaps are intended for extremity reconstruction.

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 Comparison of the modified direct closure method and skin grafting for wounds at the anterolateral thigh flap donor site

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 030006052092537
Author(s):  
Song Gu ◽  
Yuxuan Zhang ◽  
Yinjun Huang ◽  
Huichao Fu ◽  
Guheng Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operative Time ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Skin Grafting ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Direct Closure ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Closure Method ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Scar Score

Objective This study was performed to compare the modified direct closure method and traditional skin grafting for wounds at the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap donor site. Methods Among 29 consecutive patients with wounds at the ALT flap donor site, 14 underwent the modified direct closure method (MDC group) and 15 underwent traditional skin grafting (SG group). The operative time, follow-up time, complications, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) score of the two groups were statistically analyzed. Results The mean follow-up times in the MDC and SG group were 16.1 and 16.7 months, respectively. Two patients showed partial skin necrosis after skin grafting, but the remaining patients’ wounds healed uneventfully. The operative time in the MDC group was an average of about 64 minutes shorter than that in the SG group. The average VSS and SCAR scores in the MDC group were 2.1 and 3.0 points lower, respectively, than those in the SG group. Conclusions Compared with traditional skin grafting, the modified direct closure method is more efficient for repair of wounds at the ALT flap donor site because of its shorter operative time, better postoperative appearance of the donor site, and higher patient satisfaction.

scholarly journals A Rare Anatomical Variation in the Pedicle of Anterolateral Thigh (ALT) Flap

2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (02) ◽  
pp. 229-231
Author(s):  
Jiten Kumar Mishra ◽  
Shamendra Anand Sahu
Keyword(s):  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Complex Reconstruction ◽  
The Common ◽  
Tissue Flaps ◽  
Alt Flap

AbstractFree anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap finds its place in the front row among the soft-tissue flaps used for complex reconstruction of various defects. Its versatile tissue component and ease of harvesting with minimal donor site morbidity made it a popular flap. However, its variable vascular anatomy alerts the reconstructive surgeon to remain aware of the common variation and vigilant with regard to unusual variation. Commonly described variations are about the origin and course of pedicle and perforators. There are rare reports regarding the presence of double arteries and single vein in the flap pedicle. Here, the authors describe these unusual anatomical variations in the pedicle of ALT flap, with two arteries and one vein, and discuss the surgical implication of the same.

Improving Outcomes in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor-Site Reconstruction Using Propeller Flaps: A Retrospective Comparative Study with Skin Grafting

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domenico Pagliara ◽  
Maria Lucia Mangialardi ◽  
Stefano Vitagliano ◽  
Valentina Pino ◽  
Marzia Salgarello
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Skin Graft ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Split Thickness Skin Graft ◽  
Tactile Sensitivity ◽  
Aesthetic Outcome ◽  
Propeller Flap ◽  
Thickness Skin ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Alt Flap

Abstract Background After anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap harvesting, skin graft of the donor site is commonly performed. When the defect width exceeds 8 cm or 16% of thigh circumference, it can determine lower limb function impairment and poor aesthetic outcomes. In our comparative study, we assessed the functional and aesthetic outcomes related to ALT donor-site closure with split-thickness skin graft compared with thigh propeller flap. Methods We enrolled 60 patients with ALT flap donor sites. We considered two groups of ALT donor-site reconstructions: graft group (30 patients) with split-thickness skin graft and flap group (30 patients) with local perforator-based propeller flap. We assessed for each patient the range of motion (ROM) at the hip and knee, tension, numbness, paresthesia, tactile sensitivity, and gait. Regarding the impact on daily life activities, patients completed the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) questionnaire. Patient satisfaction for aesthetic outcome was obtained with a 5-point Likert scale (from very poor to excellent). Results In the propeller flap group, the ROMs of hip and knee and the LEFS score were significantly higher. At 12-month follow-up, in the graft group, 23 patients reported tension, 19 numbness, 16 paresthesia, 22 reduction of tactile sensitivity, and 5 alteration of gait versus only 5 patients experienced paresthesia and 7 reduction of tactile sensitivity in the propeller flap group. The satisfaction for aesthetic outcome was significantly higher in the propeller flap group. Conclusion In high-tension ALT donor-site closure, the propeller perforator flap should always be considered to avoid split-thickness skin graft with related functional and aesthetic poor results.

Imaging for approach selection of TAVI: assessment of the aorto-iliac tract diameter by computed tomography-angiography versus projection angiography

2013 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 399-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. A. Wiegerinck ◽  
H. A. Marquering ◽  
N. Y. Oldenburger ◽  
M. A. Elattar ◽  
R. N. Planken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Selection Of

Complications and Outcomes of Chimeric Free Flaps: A Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 161 (4) ◽  
pp. 568-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhinav R. Ettyreddy ◽  
Collin L. Chen ◽  
Joseph Zenga ◽  
Laura E. Simon ◽  
Patrik Pipkorn
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Complication Rate ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Major Complication ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Controlled Vocabulary ◽  
Cochrane Central Register ◽  
Complication Rates

ObjectiveAblations of locally advanced or recurrent head and neck cancer commonly result in large composite orofacial defects. Chimeric flaps represent a unique surgical option for these defects, as they provide diverse tissue types from a single donor site. The purpose of the study was to consolidate the literature on chimeric flaps with regard to postoperative complication rates to help inform surgical decision making.Data SourcesThe librarian created search strategies with a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary in Ovid Medline (1946), Embase (1947), Scopus (1823), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrails.gov (1997).Review MethodsCandidate articles were independently reviewed by 2 authors familiar with the subject material, and inclusion/exclusion criteria were uniformly applied for article selection. Articles were considered eligible if they included patients who received a single chimeric flap for reconstruction of head and neck defects and if they provided data on complication rates.ResultsA total of 521 chimeric flaps were included in the study. The major complication rate was 22.6%, while the minor complication rate was 14.0%. There were 7 flap deaths noted in the series. Median operative time and harvest time were 15.0 and 2.5 hours, respectively.ConclusionChimeric flaps represent a viable option for reconstruction of complex head and neck defects and have complication rates similar to those of double free flaps and single free flaps with locoregional flap while only modestly increasing total operative time.

The Use of Computed Tomography Angiography to Define the Prevertebral Vascular Anatomy Prior to Anterior Lumbar Procedures

Spine ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason C. Datta ◽  
Michael E. Janssen ◽  
Ruth Beckham ◽  
Caroline Ponce
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Vascular Anatomy

Super-Thin and Suprafascial Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flaps for Extremity Reconstruction

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (07) ◽  
pp. 466-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akhil Seth ◽  
Matthew Iorio
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Flap Reconstruction ◽  
Venous Anastomosis ◽  
Distal Extremity ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Effective Option ◽  
Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Alt Flap

Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap remains a workhorse for soft tissue reconstruction. However, the traditional ALT flap is often too bulky for resurfacing shallow, distal extremity defects, prohibiting adequate function, or well-fitted orthotics. This study evaluates extremity reconstruction using ALT flaps elevated in the suprafascial or super-thin plane. Methods Retrospective review of ALT free flap reconstruction from October 2014 to July 2016 was performed. Suprafascial and super-thin flaps were those elevated just above the crural fascia and within the superficial scarpal plane, respectively. Adjunct operative procedures, demographics, and complications were recorded. Results A total of 25 patients underwent suprafascial (n = 14) or super-thin (n = 11) ALT flap reconstruction for primarily lower extremity wounds (n = 19), with an average age and body mass index of 53.8 years and 26.3 kg/m2, respectively. Follow-up was 6.3 months. Comorbidities included smoking (n = 7), diabetes (n = 8), peripheral vascular disease (n = 6), and hypertension (n = 8). The presence of hardware (n = 9), trauma (n = 10), and chronic infection (n = 12) were common risk factors. Average flap size was 8.2 × 21.5 cm, with 64% (n = 16) taken on one perforator. Forty-eight percent (n = 12) were end-to-side anastomoses and 62% (n = 13) utilized one venous anastomosis. Mean hospital stay was 7.8 days with a 24% (n = 6) complication rate. There were no partial or complete flap losses. Conclusion The ALT flap, elevated in a suprafascial or super-thin plane, is a safe, effective option for extremity soft tissue reconstruction. The decreased flap volume and bulk provides the improved contour and pliability necessary for appropriate distal extremity function. The potential versatility of super-thin flaps reinforces the importance of continued innovation by reconstructive microsurgeons.

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