Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap Research Articles

Alternatives to the Gold Standard: A Systematic Review of Profunda Artery Perforator and Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the current gold-standard autologous option. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) and lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flaps have more recently been described as alternatives for patients who are not candidates for a DIEP flap. The aim of this study was to review the survival and complication rates of PAP and LAP flaps, using the DIEP flap as a benchmark. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases. Papers were screened by title and abstract, and full texts reviewed by three independent blinded reviewers. Quality was assessed using MINORS criteria. Sixty-three studies were included, for a total of 745 PAP, 62 stacked PAP, 187 LAP, and 23,748 DIEP flap breast reconstructions. The PAP (98.3%) had comparable success rate to DIEP (98.4%), and the stacked PAP (88.7%) and LAP (92.5%) success rate was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). The PAP and LAP groups both had a low incidence of fat necrosis. However, the revision rate for the LAP group was 16.1% whereas the PAP group was 3.3%. Donor site wound dehiscence rate was 2.9 in the LAP group and 9.1% in the PAP group. Profunda artery perforator and DIEP flaps demonstrate very high rates of overall survival. The LAP flap has a lower survival rate. This review highlights the survival and complication rates of these alternative flaps, which may help clinicians in guiding autologous reconstruction technique when a DIEP flap is unavailable.

The lumbar artery perforator flap in large volume salvage autologous breast reconstruction: a case report

The authors describe a case where a lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap was used to salvage a failed breast reconstruction and address concerns about the use of LAP flaps.

A novel pedicle extension for lumbar artery perforator flaps: a case report

In this case, the authors describe the novel use of anterolateral thigh vessels as an alternative pedicle extension graft to the deep inferior epigastric vessels in autologous breast reconstruction.

A Guide to Perforator Flap Selection for Buttock Pressure Sore Reconstruction.

Perforator flaps have been increasingly used to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers. However, no one has proposed an approach for stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repairing based on the subregion of buttock pressure ulcers. This study aims to evaluate the effect of perforator flaps in the repair of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers, and flap selection was based on the location of the pressure ulcers. Over the past 5 years, we evaluated 65 cases of stage IV buttock pressure ulcers repaired using perforator flaps. Flap selection was based on the subregion of each buttock pressure ulcer, following our approach. A total of 87 perforator flaps were used for 65 cases, including 42 superior gluteal artery perforator flaps, 19 fourth lumbar artery perforator flaps, and 26 descending inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps. All patients showed satisfactory reconstruction. The authors' approach can support surgeons in selecting the appropriate flaps to repair stage IV buttock pressure ulcers and achieve excellent reconstructive outcomes. This method makes the selection of flaps for pressure ulcer repair systematic, simple, and highly feasible and thus is worthy of promotion.

Surgical Outcomes of Autologous Breast Reconstruction in Low BMI Patients; Beyond the Gold Standard DIEP Flap.

Autologous breast reconstruction provides higher satisfaction than implant-based reconstruction in women with low Body Mass Index (BMI). However, the gold standard of microvascular breast reconstruction, the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) flap, can be challenging to achieve due to the paucity of adnominal bulk in these patients. This study compares operative outcomes in women with BMIs less than 23.5 following reconstruction after one of three free flap methods: The DIEP flap, alternative flaps (I.e., lumbar artery perforator flap (LAP) or profounda artery perforator flap (PAP)), and stacked flaps. A retrospective study was conducted on thin patients (BMI < 23.5) who underwent autologous breast reconstruction between 2010 and 2021 by two senior authors (NTH, SST) at a single institution. One hundred and fifteen patients were divided into three reconstructive groups. Flap weights, complication rates, secondary revisions, and fat grafting in each group were then compared. The success rate in all three groups was 100%, with only one partial flap loss in the stacked group. There was a significant difference in overall minor complications and donor complications between the three groups, with alternative flaps experiencing the most. All three groups had similar incidences of recipient breast complications, medical complications, need for secondary revisions, and amount of fat grafted. Autologous breast reconstruction in low BMI patients yields successful and durable results. This study shows that predictable results in the thin patient population can be obtained via alternate autologous methods beyond the gold standard DIEP flap.

Breast Reconstruction With Simultaneous Bilateral Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps Improves Waistline Definition and Buttock Projection.

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap is a valuable secondary option for autologous breast reconstruction when abdominal donor sites are not available. The aim of this study was to determine how the LAP donor site affects waistline and gluteal proportions, and whether LAP flaps may produce potential secondary benefits concerning donor site aesthetics. A retrospective review of 50 patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction with LAP flaps (100 flaps) between 2018 and 2022 was performed. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded. Pre- and postoperative standardized frontal and lateral patient photographs were analyzed to identify postoperative changes in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to assess waistline definition and buttock projection. The patients' individual perception of postoperative aesthetic changes to their waistline and buttocks was determined by an electronic survey. The patients had a mean age of 51 years (range, 24-63 years) and a mean BMI of 26.9 kg/m2 (range, 19.3-37.4 kg/m2). Postoperative donor site complications included seroma (n = 10), wound dehiscence (n = 5), hematoma (n = 4), and wound infection (n = 2). Flap loss rate was 2%. After reconstruction, patients were found to have a more defined waistline, indicated by a significantly decreased WHR on frontal images (mean [standard error of the mean], 0.85 [0.05] vs 0.80 [0.05], P < .005) and a more projected buttocks indicated by a significant reduction in WHR on lateral images (0.92 [0.07] vs 0.87 [0.07], P < .0001). Among the patients who responded to the survey, 73% indicated that their waistline had aesthetically improved, 6.7% felt it had not changed, and 20% felt that it had worsened. An aesthetic improvement of the buttocks was reported by 53%, 40% felt their buttocks had not changed, and 6.7% felt their buttocks appearance had worsened. Bilateral LAP flap breast reconstruction leads to improved waistline definition and buttock projection, bringing patients closer to ideal aesthetic proportions. This reconstructive approach is ideal for patients who are not candidates for abdominal free flaps, but who demonstrate excess flank tissue and seek a more defined waistline and projected buttocks.

Bilateral Simultaneous Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps in Breast Reconstruction: Perioperative Outcomes Addressing Safety and Feasibility.

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap has emerged as an excellent option for breast reconstruction, but its steep learning curve makes it less approachable. Furthermore, length of the operation, flap ischemia time, need for composite vascular grafts, complex microsurgery, multiple position changes, and general concern for safety has led experienced surgeons to stage bilateral reconstructions. In the authors' experience, simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps are feasible, but overall perioperative safety has not been fully explored. Thirty-one patients (62 flaps) underwent simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps and were included in the study (excluding stacked four-flaps and unilateral flaps). Patients underwent two position changes in the operating room: supine to prone and then supine again. A retrospective review of patient demographics, intraoperative details, and complications was performed. The overall flap success rate was 96.8%. Five flaps were compromised postoperatively. The intraoperative anastomotic revision rate was 24.1% per flap (4.3% per anastomosis). The significant complication rate was 22.6%. The number of sustained hypothermic episodes and hypotensive episodes correlated with intraoperative arterial thrombosis ( P < 0.05). The number of hypotensive episodes and increased intraoperative fluid correlated with flap compromise ( P < 0.05). High body mass index correlated with overall complications ( P < 0.05). The presence of diabetes correlated with intraoperative arterial thrombosis ( P < 0.05). Simultaneous bilateral LAP flaps can be performed safely with an experienced and trained microsurgical team. Hypothermia and hypotension negatively affect the initial anastomotic success. In this complex operation, a coordinated approach between the anesthesia and nursing team is paramount for patient safety. Therapeutic, IV.

174. Autologous Breast Reconstruction With Simultaneous Bilateral Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps Improves Waistline Definition

PURPOSE: The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap is a valuable secondary option for autologous breast reconstruction when traditional abdominal donor sites are not available. Sociodemographic morphometric analyses have shown that the ideal waistline is characterized by a waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) of 0.7. How the LAP donor site affects truncal proportions and whether LAP flaps may lead to potential secondary benefits concerning waistline definition has never been systematically investigated. METHODS: A retrospective review of 50 patients who underwent bilateral breast reconstruction with lumbar artery perforator flaps (100 flaps) from 2018 - 2022 was performed. Patient characteristics and postoperative complications were recorded. Pre- and postoperative standardized patient photographs were analyzed to identify postoperative changes in WHR to assess waistline definition. The patients’ individual perception of postoperative aesthetic changes to their waistline was determined by an electronic survey. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 51 (24 - 63 years) and a mean BMI of 26.9 kg/m2 (19.3 - 37.4 kg/m2). Postoperative donor site complications included seromas (n = 10), wound dehiscence requiring operative revision (n = 5), hematomas (n = 4), and wound infections requiring oral antibiotic therapy (n = 2). Flap loss rate was 2%. After reconstruction, patients were found to have an improved waistline definition, indicated by a significantly decreased WHR (0.85 vs. 0.80, P = 0.005). Patient reported outcomes were obtained from 53% of patients. Among those, 81% of patients felt that their waistline had aesthetically improved after reconstruction, 14% reported no changes to their waistline aesthetics, and only 5% reported that their waistline had aesthetically worsened. CONCLUSION: Bilateral LAP flap breast reconstruction leads to improved waistline definition bringing patients closer to ideal aesthetic proportions. This reconstructive approach is ideal for patients that are not candidates for abdominal free flaps, however, demonstrate excess flank tissue and seek a more defined waistline.

Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap should be considered for autologous breast reconstruction when a patient's abdomen is unavailable as a donor site. The LAP flap can be harvested with dimensions and volume of distribution that facilitate the restoration of a naturally shaped breast with a sloping upper pole and maximal projection in the lower one-third. Harvest of LAP flaps lifts the buttocks and narrows the waist and, consequently, aesthetic improvement in body contour is generally achieved with these procedures. Although technically challenging, the LAP flap is a valuable tool in the practice of autologous breast reconstruction.

Comparison of Lumbar Artery and Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flaps for Breast Reconstruction: Multislice CT-Based Anatomical Study.

Although the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is the criterion standard for autologous breast reconstruction, lumbar artery perforator (LAP) and superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flaps are recent trends as alternatives. The purpose of our study was to clarify differences of these flaps based on multislice CT findings of the same patient. Retrospective study was conducted on 58 patients who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced multislice CT for breast reconstruction using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator. Of these, 32 patients' data were evaluated excluding 26 patients' data either for the lumbar or gluteal fat being outside the imaging range or for nondepiction of the vascular pedicle origin of LAP or SGAP flap. Vascular pedicle diameter, pedicle length, and subcutaneous fat thickness were measured for LAP and SGAP flaps. The vascular pedicle diameter, pedicle length, and fat thickness were 2.1 (SD, 0.3) mm, 3.4 (SD, 0.4) cm, and 4.9 (SD, 1.0) cm, respectively, for LAP flaps; and 1.7 (SD, 0.2) mm, 5.6 (SD, 1.1) cm, and 2.7 (SD, 0.7) cm, respectively, for SGAP flaps. The LAP flaps had thicker subcutaneous fat and a larger vascular pedicle diameter, whereas the SGAP flaps had a longer vascular pedicle. As donor material for breast reconstruction, the LAP flap is indicated for cases where absolute volume is needed; otherwise, the SGAP flap is more advantageous as it facilitates vascular anastomosis with its longer vascular pedicle.

The Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap in Breast Reconstruction.

The lumbar artery perforator flap is a valuable alternative in breast reconstruction whenever the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is not feasible because of insufficient or unavailable abdominal tissue. The advantage is the ideal shape and consistency of the flap, in addition to the option to perform a nerve anastomosis with the cluneal nerve. The anatomy is consistent, but there are some technical issues related to the short perforator and difficult surgical exposure in the lower back region. The inclusion of a vascular interposition graft improved the authors' results and facilitated their technical challenges and final inset of the flap. These videos guide the surgeon through the different steps involved in a breast reconstruction with the lumbar artery perforator flap.

Does it Always have to be the Abdomen? Alternative Flaps in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

[English] Deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis muscle (ms-TRAM) flaps remain the gold standard for autologous reconstruction in post-mastectomy patients, although many women may not be candidates for abdominally based free tissue transfer. In this scenario, there are several other donor site options based from the thigh (transverse and diagonal upper gracilis flaps, profunda artery perforator flap, lateral thigh flap), trunk (lumbar artery perforator flap), and buttock (superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps). This article will provide insight into the history, relevant anatomy, surgical technique and novel applications (neurotization) for alternative flaps in autologous breast reconstruction.

Lumbar Artery Perforator Flaps: A Systematic Review of Free Tissue Transfers and Anatomical Characteristics.

The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap has gained popularity as a versatile flap in reconstructive surgery; however, few studies have analyzed salient characteristics of this flap. We set out to provide a comprehensive appraisal of free tissue transfers of LAP flaps with specific attention to anatomic features and clinical outcomes. Using preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, we identified clinical, radiographic, and cadaveric studies of LAP flaps and assessed outcomes, complications, and anatomic parameters, such as pedicle length, diameter, location, and course. A total of 254 articles were initially reviewed, of which 18 met the final inclusion criteria. Ten studies were primarily concerned with anatomic characteristics, and most clinical studies related to breast reconstruction. The operative durations varied between 4.8 and 9.2 hours. Partial and total flap losses were estimated at 2.6% and 7.6%, respectively. Acute revision rates ranged from 16% to 24% related to hematoma, arterial thrombus, and venous thrombus. Donor-site seromas were frequently encountered in breast reconstruction with an incidence of 17% to 78%. The LAP flap has demonstrated favorable outcomes in various reconstructive scenarios. The caudal perforators generally offer more pedicle length, greater pedicle diameter, and septocutaneous course and may be better suited for flap design. For breast reconstruction, the LAP flap is a useful alternative to abdominal-based flaps, and special attention should be given to optimizing pedicle length using interposition grafts and methods that minimize seroma formation at the donor site.

Harvesting Composite Arterial and Vein Grafts from Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery and Vein: A Safe Five-Step Method of Preparation.

As the use of stacked flaps and options for autologous breast reconstruction increase, the level of complexity in autologous breast reconstruction has risen. Frequently, these reconstruction types present technical challenges such as vessel mismatches and short pedicle length. In this study, the authors introduce their five steps of harvesting composite deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and deep inferior epigastric vein (DIEV) grafts to overcome such challenges. The authors performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction using DIEA/DIEV grafts from 2012 to 2020. The grafts were harvested using the five steps, as follows: step 1, a transverse, paramedian skin incision was made at the level of suprapubic crease; step 2, an oblique fasciotomy was made on the lateral rectus border; step 3, DIEA/DIEV vessels were identified and exposed past the confluence of two venae comitantes; step 4, DIEA/DIEV grafts were harvested while sparing motor nerves; and step 5, fascial closure was performed. A total of 40 DIEA/DIEV grafts were used in 25 patients (lumbar artery perforator flaps, n = 25; lateral thigh flaps, n = 1; superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps, n = 12; and flap salvage, n = 2) for breast reconstruction. The average time of harvest was 28 minutes, and there were two flap losses. In the authors' experience, DIEA/DIEV grafts can be safely harvested and used in flaps with short pedicles and small vessel size. Although the authors' experience was limited to breast reconstruction, the DIEA/DIEV grafts can be used for other types of reconstruction, especially for head and neck reconstruction.

Donor Site Morbidity after Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction.

The lumbar artery perforator flap is a second-choice flap in autologous breast reconstruction whenever a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is not possible. Ideal candidates are pear-shaped women who do not have enough bulk on the abdomen or thighs. Patient-reported "satisfaction with breasts" is excellent but we were curious about the donor site morbidity. We performed a retrospective study of all lumbar flap breast reconstructions performed between 2010 and 2019. Patients were invited by e-mail and telephone to take part in a BREAST-Q survey. One hundred fifty-four flaps were performed in 110 patients. Sixty-three patients filled out the BREAST-Q questionnaire. The most frequently observed donor site complications are seroma (35.1%), dehiscence (8.4%), and hematoma (3.2%). Correction of the donor site scar was performed in 31.8% of patients, lipofilling of the donor flank in 5.2%, and liposuction of the contralateral flank in 18.3% of patients. Body mass index (BMI) was the only significant risk factor for donor site complications. Patient-reported "satisfaction with donor site appearance" was good but significantly lower for primary reconstructions compared with secondary and tertiary procedures. Flap weight significantly influences patient-reported "physical wellbeing of the donor site." Ninety-seven percent of patients would recommend the surgery to someone in a similar position and would do it all over. The lumbar artery perforator flap is a good alternative for breast reconstruction in selected patients. The donor site issues consist mainly of seromas, prolonged discomfort, and a scar that might be noticeable to others, but patient-reported satisfaction is very high.

Alternative flaps in autologous breast reconstruction.

The gold standard for autologous reconstruction in the post-mastectomy patient remains the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, although many women may not be candidates for abdominally based free tissue transfer. In this scenario, there are several other donor site options based from the thigh (transverse and diagonal upper gracilis flaps, profunda artery perforator flap, lateral thigh flap) and trunk (lumbar artery perforator flap, superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps). This study will review the history, relevant anatomy, surgical technique and outcomes for alternative flaps in autologous reconstruction. Additionally, preoperative imaging (CTA, MRA) and novel applications (stacking flaps, neurotization) in breast reconstructive microsurgery will be discussed.

Breast Reconstruction with the Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap for Metachronous Breast Cancer that Developed After Contralateral Breast Reconstruction with the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap

Breast Reconstruction with the Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap for Metachronous Breast Cancer that Developed After Contralateral Breast Reconstruction with the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap

Latissimus Dorsi-lumbar Artery Perforator Chimeric Flap with Intra-flap Crossover Anastomosis for Breast Reconstruction.

Latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps are widely used in breast reconstruction for their ease of use and minimal sacrifice of the donor site. Various strategies to increase flap volume have been suggested, but tissue volume is often insufficient for patients with little subcutaneous fat. While lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flaps are advantageous for thin patients because they allow for the addition of a large amount of fat, the vascular pedicle is short and vascular grafts are often required. To address these shortcomings, we propose here a LD-LAP chimeric flap. Specifically, the LD flap and LAP flap are elevated as one piece, and the 6th or 7th intercostal artery perforators and lumbar artery perforators, which are harvested together with the flap, are connected via intra-flap crossover anastomosis. Anastomosis for both intercostal artery perforators and lumbar artery perforators was performed about 1 cm away from the flap. Indocyanine green angiography performed after anastomosis showed improved blood flow to the LAP flap portion of the chimeric flap. The chimeric flap was used in 4 patients, with a mean flap volume of 460 ml (range, 300-690 ml) and mean duration of 439 minutes (393-484 minutes) for reconstruction surgery. During the mean follow-up period of 29.5 months (range, 16-40 months), sufficient tissue volume was obtained and none of the patients developed flap necrosis. Although our method requires vascular anastomosis and may extend operative time, it substantially increases LD flap volume and thus is likely to be an effective auxiliary component to breast reconstruction using LD flaps.

Characteristics and outcomes of primary interposition vascular grafts in free flap breast reconstruction

There is paucity of data on primary interposition vascular grafts (IVG) use in microsurgery. Our study examines the characteristics, indications and outcomes of IVG in free flap breast reconstruction. All cases of breast reconstruction with free flaps between January 2013 and June 2018 were examined and cases with primary IVG were included. Data were collected on patient, flap and graft characteristics, indications and outcomes. A total of 76 IVG, specifically 65 vein grafts and 11 arterial grafts, were used for 49 (of 1547) flaps in 48 (of 1346) cases. Of these, 52 grafts were primarily used to lengthen the pedicle and aid flap inset and 24 grafts to augment venous flow; 49 grafts were harvested from the flap harvest site, 7 from the anastomosis recipient site and 20 from a separate site. Of the total, 16.7% (8/49 flaps) required salvage procedures - seven cases for venous congestion and one for ischaemic compromise - in comparison to 4.3% in cases without IVG (65/1498) (p<0.0001). Out of 49 IVG flaps, three (6.1%) failed in comparison to 1.7% (26/1498), where IVG flaps were not used (p<0.05). Two were transverse upper gracilis flaps with vessel calibre mismatch, and one lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap with past infected implant and failed deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP). We present the largest number of primary vascular grafts for free flap breast reconstruction in the literature. Primary IVG were used for at-risk flaps and had a success rate of 93.9%. This shows that IVG are a viable option to prevent venous congestion and lengthen the pedicle to aid inset and shaping; they are associated with higher complication rates bearing in mind the high-risk profile of the flaps these are used for.

Lumbar Artery Perforator Flap: Initial Experience with Simultaneous Bilateral Flaps for Breast Reconstruction.

Background:The lumbar artery perforator (LAP) flap is a useful alternative for patients who are not a candidate for breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap. Due to the positioning and concerns for prolonged ischemia time, bilateral breast reconstruction using LAP flaps is frequently performed in separate stages. We present our early experience performing simultaneous LAP flaps for bilateral breast reconstruction.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent breast reconstruction with LAP flaps from December 2018 to September 2019. Demographics, flap data, and complication data were collected. Surgical sequence is presented.Results:A total of 30 simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction were performed with LAP. We experienced 1 flap loss in an undiagnosed hypercoagulable patient. The average patient age was 52.7 years, and the average body mass index was 26.9. Most patients had a surgically absent abdominal donor site (66.7%). The average operative time was 510 minutes and ischemia time was 90.3 minutes. All flaps were performed using a composite deep inferior epigastric arterial/venous graft.Conclusions:The LAP flap is an innovative, yet technically challenging, choice for autologous breast reconstruction. In our experience, simultaneous bilateral breast reconstruction using LAP flaps can be safely performed in a single surgical stage; however, we recommend caution and a coordinated team approach. With simultaneously performing bilateral LAP flaps, there is an inherent prolonged ischemia time and, thus, an increased possibility for vasospasm and intraoperative revisions. This experience represents the first series of bilateral LAP flaps performed simultaneously.