scholarly journals An assessment of the anatomical basis of the thoracoacromial artery perforator flap

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Robert Geddes ◽  
Maolin Tang ◽  
Daping Yang ◽  
Steven F Morris
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Pedicled Flap ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Thoracoacromial Artery ◽  
Lateral Thoracic Artery ◽  
Anatomical Basis

Background Musculocutaneous perforator flaps offer advantages over musculocutaneous flaps, including reduced donor site morbidity, more predictable reconstruction of soft tissue deformities, and a wider variety of flap options. Perforator flaps are becoming increasingly popular for many applications. In the present study, we set out to examine the various perforators of the thoracoacromial axis through the pectoralis major (PM) muscle with respect to their suitability for transfer to the head and neck region as a pedicled flap. Methods A series of 10 fresh cadavers were injected with lead oxide, gelatin and water (250 mL/kg) through the femoral vessels. The cadavers were cooled and the integument was removed. Perforating vessels from the underlying muscles were marked and the resulting angiograms of the integument and deep tissues were compared with the dissection notes describing the course, size and distribution of the perforating vessels. Results The perforators through the PM muscle to the overlying skin included three regional groups: perforators of the thoracoacromial axis; perforators of the medial intercostal vessels; and perforators of the lateral thoracic artery. The major group of perforators supplying the overlying skin was from the intercostal vessels. However, the thoracoacromial axis did consistently give rise to perforators in the upper portion of the PM muscle. In particular, there were reliable perforators from the clavicular and deltoid branches of the thoracoacromial artery. Discussion The present study illustrates the potential clinical applications of a series of perforator flaps based on the thoracoacromial axis, which may be useful in head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Use of Indocyanine Green Imaging for Perforator Identification in Preexpanded Brachial Artery Perforator Flaps

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (05) ◽  
pp. 650-658
Author(s):  
Tinglu Han ◽  
Nima Khavanin ◽  
Mengqing Zang ◽  
Shan Zhu ◽  
Bo Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indocyanine Green ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Brachial Artery ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Icg Angiography ◽  
Flap Design ◽  
Flap Elevation ◽  
Artery Perforator

AbstractThe tissues of the medial arm as a donor site for perforator flap design have several advantages. However, they are relatively underused with limited reports, partly due to unreliable perforator anatomy. Therefore, we aimed to review our preliminary experience using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to design and elevate preexpanded pedicled brachial artery perforator (BAP) flaps for regional reconstruction. All patients underwent soft tissue reconstructions using a preexpanded BAP flap in two or three stages. ICG angiography was used to localize perforators during both expander insertion and flap elevation. The pedicle was divided at the third stage 3 weeks following flap elevation for head and neck cases. Sixteen patients underwent reconstructions of the head and neck (n = 13) or shoulder/trunk (n = 3) using 14 perforator-plus and 2 propeller BAP flaps. In total, 50 perforators were identified using ICG imaging, all of which were appreciable during both expander placement and flap elevation. Thirty-five perforators were directly visualized during flap elevation, and an additional 15 perforators were not explored but incorporated into the flap. All flaps survived without necrosis, and the donor sites healed uneventfully without complications. The medial arm provides thin and pliable skin for the resurfacing of regional defects with relatively minimal donor-site morbidity. With the assistance of ICG angiography, perforators of the brachial artery can be reliably identified, facilitating the preexpansion and elevation of pedicled BAP flaps for use in head–neck and trunk reconstruction.

Anatomical Study and Clinical Application of Ulnar Artery Proximal Perforator Flaps

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Cherubino ◽  
Alberto Bolletta ◽  
Tommaso Baroni ◽  
Giuseppe Di Taranto ◽  
Luigi Losco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Donor Site ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Anatomical Study ◽  
Ulnar Artery ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Vascular Supply ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Level Of Evidence

Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to document the vascular anatomy of the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap and to highlight the possibility of harvesting it based on the perforators originating from the posterior ulnar recurrent artery (PURA), to spare both the main axis of vascular supply to the hand. In addition, we present a case series of five patients treated for soft tissue defects of the hand with free ulnar artery proximal perforator flaps. Methods Ten specimens of anterior forearm were dissected in this study to register number and characteristics of ulnar perforators. The dissection was focused on the perforators originating from the larger branch of the ulnar artery, the PURA, at the proximal third of anteromedial forearm. The anatomical dissections were evaluated in relationship with clinical dissections performed during flap harvesting in five patients. Results In three of the specimens dissected, the proximal perforator originated from the PURA, and in the other seven specimens, it originated directly from the ulnar artery. Five cases of reconstruction of the hand were performed with success using the free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap, and in two cases, the perforator from the PURA was found and it was possible to raise the flap based on this branch of the ulnar artery. Conclusion The free ulnar artery proximal perforator flap can be harvested in two different manners for the same skin island of the forearm. When possible, harvesting it form the PURA allows lengthening of the pedicle. In our experience, this flap presents many advantages such as thinness and hairlessness; it allows preservation of the ulnar neurovascular bundle with an acceptable donor site morbidity. Level of evidence: IV.

scholarly journals Propeller Flaps for Hand and Digit Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (03) ◽  
pp. 192-199
Author(s):  
Pierluigi Tos ◽  
Alessandro Crosio ◽  
Pierfrancesco Pugliese ◽  
Alexandru Valentin Georgescu
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Dorsal Skin ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Propeller Flap ◽  
Perforator Vessels ◽  
Hand Area ◽  
Tissue Defects

AbstractThe reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the hand, as seen often after trauma or tumor excision, is a challenge due to the great differentiation of tissues depending on the hand area involved. The classical intrinsic “workhorse flaps” of the hand are associated with a significant donor-site morbidity. Capturing perforator vessels in discrete donor areas can reduce the amount of soft tissue that has to be dissected and included in what now would be a perforator flap, while also insuring robust vascularization of those transferred tissues. Moreover, the presence of perforator vessels both on the dorsal and volar sides of the hand allows harvest of perforator flaps that will respect the like-with-like principle by maintaining the main characteristics of volar and dorsal skin as desired. However, the dissection of these flaps, especially those based on volar palmar and digital perforators, still requires microsurgical skills to preserve the fine vascularization of these flaps. These small flaps are also amenable for application of the propeller flap concept. This is an especially valuable means for preserving the length of an amputated finger where bone is exposed by using more proximal uninjured tissues. Although in general only a short dissection is required to raise a propeller flap in this region, most often the donor site will have to be closed by a skin graft.

scholarly journals Advantages of Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Complex Defects of the Head and Neck

2005 ◽  
Vol 84 (7) ◽  
pp. 441-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Benjamin Guerra ◽  
George Dewey Lyons ◽  
Charles Louis Dupin ◽  
Stephen Eric Metzinger
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Neck Region ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Parent Vessel ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Head And Neck Region ◽  
Soft Tissue Envelope ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator

Microsurgical transfer of vascularized tissue during the past three decades has allowed highly complicated postoncologic defects in the head and neck region to be reconstructed. Recently, perforator flaps have been used to reduce postoperative pain, shorten hospital stay, and lessen donor-site complications. These flaps are offsprings of previously known musculocutaneous and fasciocutaneous flaps and are harvested with preservation of the underlying muscular and fascial structures. The vascularized skin and soft-tissue envelope is supplied by perforating branches from the parent vessel. Less is known about the performance of these flaps in the head and neck region. During a 4-year period, 22 patients at our institution underwent reconstruction of the head and neck region with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) or thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps. All but one of the flaps survived. Advantages noted include: (1) longer vascular pedicles, (2) less postoperative pain, (3) less donor-site deformity, (4) improved aesthetic outcome, (5) potential for a neurosensory flap, (6) potential for an osteocutaneous flap, and (7) ease of postoperative radiologic follow-up. The DIEP flap can be harvested concurrent with oncologic resection, with the patient in the supine position. The TDAP flap is dissected with the patient in the decubitus position, creating an additional step to change operative position, and separates extirpative and reconstructive stages.

Alternative flaps for microsurgical breast reconstruction

2021 ◽  
pp. 1107-1114
Author(s):  
Hinne A. Rakhorst
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Standard Care ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
The Body ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator ◽  
Muscle Sparing ◽  
Breast Reconstructive Surgery

Microsurgery in general has made dramatic improvements over the past decades. This applies to microsurgery in general and to breast reconstructive surgery especially. The demand for autologous breast reconstruction has risen. Since the introduction of the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps, through the muscle-sparing TRAM, flaps designs have evolved into the current gold standard, the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. From experiences and increasing numbers of flap procedures performed by surgeons, techniques became more familiar and part of standard care. These factors gave rise to the development of a growing number of areas of the body where tissues of interest can be harvested using perforator flap-based techniques. This chapter discusses the most common as well as the ‘rising stars’ in terms of flaps to be used as alternative flaps to the DIEP flap for breast reconstruction. It discusses practical issues on dissection as well as donor site morbidity.

Free versus Pedicled Perforator Flaps for Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A Multicenter Comparison of Institutional Practices and Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (08) ◽  
pp. 572-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Koh ◽  
Terence Goh ◽  
Christopher Song ◽  
Hyun Suh ◽  
Peter Rovito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Perforator Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Pedicled Flap ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Of all body regions, lower extremity wounds have been and remain the greatest challenge. Perforator free flaps have been accepted as a reasonable option to solve this dilemma but require the complexity of microsurgery. As a consequence, the possibility that pedicled perforator flaps could supplant even perforator free flaps has recently gained intense enthusiasm. Methods A retrospective investigation was undertaken to compare the validity for the use of perforator flaps of all types at three dissimilar institutions, that is, a university, a regional center, and a community hospital. All flaps performed in the 5-year period, 2011 to 2015, were included to allow at least 1-year follow-up before data analysis. A total of 433 free perforator flaps and 52 pedicled perforator flaps had been performed specifically for the lower extremity. Results Patient demographics, wound etiology, and comorbidities were similar for all institutions. Free flaps were more commonly needed after trauma and for chronic ulcers. Pedicled flaps were more likely an option after tumor excision. Large defects or those involving the foot were better served by free flaps. Overall success for free perforator flaps was 90.1% and for pedicled perforator flaps was 92.3%, with no significant difference noted (p = 0.606) between institutions. Peripheral vascular disease was the only significant comorbidity risk factor for both free and pedicled flap failure. Conclusion Perforator flaps in general have become a reasonable solution for soft tissue defects of the lower extremity. Following careful consideration of the etiology, dimensions, location, patient comorbidities, and presence of adequate perforators, a pedicled or free perforator flap could potentially be successful. Pedicled perforator flaps, if adequate healthy soft tissues remain adjacent to the defect, forecast a continuance of the evolution in seeking simplicity yet reliability by the best flap possible for soft tissue closure of the lower limb wound.

Preliminary Experience with Perforator Flaps in Reconstruction of Soft-Tissue Defects of the Foot and Ankle

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick J. Duffy ◽  
James W. Brodsky ◽  
Christian T. Royer
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Donor Site Morbidity ◽  
Tissue Loss ◽  
Soft Tissue Reconstruction ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Soft Tissue Defects ◽  
Perforator Flaps ◽  
Microsurgical Reconstruction ◽  
Tissue Defects

Background: Microsurgical reconstruction has improved limb salvage in patients who because of many etiologies have soft-tissue loss from the lower extremities. Free-tissue transfer to the foot and ankle often interferes with postoperative function and footwear because of the bulk of a muscle flap. The foot and ankle often are best treated using thin flaps that will not contract and fibrose, particularly if secondary procedures are required. We hypothesized that perforator flaps, which are thin free-tissue transfers consisting of skin and subcutaneous tissue, both diminish donor site morbidity and are ideally suited for soft-tissue reconstruction of the foot and ankle. Methods: Ten patients had free- tissue transfers to the foot and ankle using perforator flaps during a 2-year period. Four had acute posttraumatic wounds, three had soft tissue defects with exposed hardware or bone graft after reconstructive surgery, and three had large soft-tissue defects after foot infection secondary to diabetes. Nine had reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator flaps and one had reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) perforator flap. Results: All flaps survived. There were no deep infections. Three flaps had minor tissue loss requiring subsequent small skin grafts, all of which healed. There were no donor site complications and no interference of muscle function at the donor sites. Custom shoewear was not required to accommodate the flaps. Conclusion: This series highlights the success and utility of perforator flaps in microsurgical reconstruction of the foot and ankle. The greatest advantage of perforator flaps is the diminished donor site morbidity, which was achieved while maintaining high microsurgical success rates. These skin and fat flaps remained pliable and contracted less than muscle flaps, allowing for smooth tendon gliding and easy flap elevation for secondary orthopaedic procedures.

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