The chimeric perforator flap pedicled with descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery for reconstruction of oromaxillary soft tissue defect

Abstract

To report the application of the chimeric perforator flap pedicled with descending branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery for large and complicated oromaxillary soft tissue defect. Based on the anatomic study of descending branches and cutaneous perforators of lateral circumflex femoral artery, the perforator vessels were found and used as flap pedicle. The perforator flap was made as chimeric flap for repairing the oromaxillary soft tissue defect in 8 cases. The chimeric perforator flaps were divided into three types as anterolateral thigh flaps and anteromedial thigh flaps, anterolateral thigh flaps and rectus femoris perforator flaps, and anterolateral thigh flaps and anterolateral thigh flaps. All the 16 flaps in 8 cases survived completely with no complication. The wounds in donor sites were all primarily closed with no skin graft. The patients were followed up for 1-9 months with good functional and esthetic results. There was no morbidity in donor sites. The chimeric perforator flap has a large tissue volume for large and complicated oromaxillary defect. There is no need for extra donor site and extra blood vessel anastomosis.