Perforator-based Free Flap Research Articles

Free Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Head and Neck Reconstruction: An Indian Experience.

Background We describe our experience with use of free thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap for head and neck (H&N) cancer reconstruction, with respect to the patient and disease profile, suitable defect characteristics, the reconstructive technique, and complications. Methods Consecutive patients ( N = 26) undergoing free TDAP flap for H&N onco-reconstruction, in a single center, were included from January 2015 to December 2018 and the data were analyzed. Results Perforator(s) were reliably predicted preoperatively, using handheld Doppler. Lateral position was comfortable for the harvest. Twenty flaps were harvested on a single perforator, more commonly musculocutaneous ( n = 16). The thoracodorsal nerve and latissimus dorsi muscle could be preserved, completely in almost all cases. The skin paddle was horizontally ( n = 5) or vertically ( n = 21) oriented, both giving a satisfactory scar. The flap was used as a single island or two islands by de-epithelializing intervening skin. Pedicle length was sufficient in all cases. Four cases were explored for suspected venous insufficiency. Two had thrombosis, of which one was salvaged, while the other necrosed. One flap had minimal partial necrosis, which was managed with secondary suturing. The 5-year follow-up showed good oral competence, mouth opening, and cosmetic satisfaction among patients. Conclusion TDAP flap provides all the advantages of a perforator-based free flap and of back as a donor site with close color match to the face, relatively hairless, and thickness in between the thigh and the forearm. It can be a useful tool to provide an ideal functional and aesthetic outcome, with a hidden donor site and minimal donor site morbidity in selected cases.

HoloLens in Breast Reconstruction: What Is the Future?

Autologous breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap has been established as the standard for perforator-based free-flap breast reconstruction. This technique relies on the surgeon's ability to identify the patient's relevant abdominal vasculature to facilitate accurate dissection, optimize surgical outcomes, and minimize morbidity. A technique is described in which the authors incorporate augmented reality using HoloLens technology in their surgical planning to identify epigastric arteries and perforators. This technology allows the surgeon to superimpose computed tomography angiography images directly onto the patient, facilitating an in vivo appreciation of underlying anatomy before incision and dissection. This allows real-time surgical planning, increasing the value and tangibility of preoperative computed tomography angiography with the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the operative technique. Although the authors did not use the HoloLens technology to make clinical decisions, they provide evidence of its accuracy and ease of use, offering a proof of concept. The potential of this technology is demonstrated, and the authors encourage future application in free-flap breast reconstruction and beyond.

Reconstruction of upper extremity soft tissue defects with free flaps

Amaç: Çeşitli etiyolojik nedenler sonucu ortaya çıkabilen üst ekstremite defektlerinin rekonstrüksiyonu için literatürde pek çok yöntem tanımlanmıştır. Bu yöntemler arasında lokal veya bölgesel flepler oldukça sık kullanılmakta olup çoğu defekt başarılı bir şekilde rekonstrükte edilebilmektedir. Bununla birlikte bazı büyük ve kompleks defektlerde, teknik olarak daha zor olan serbest flep seçenekleri
 kaçınılmaz olabilmektedir. Çalışmamızda serbest fleplerle üst ekstremite rekonstrüksiyonu hakkındaki tecrübelerimizi sunmayı planladık.
 Gereç ve Yöntem: 2015 - 2021 yılları arasında 9 hastada (3 Kadın, 6 Erkek) serbest fleplerle üst ekstremite rekonstrüksiyonu uygulandı. Hastaların yaşları 22-68 arasında değişmekteydi. Serbest flep tercihlerimiz arasında 4 hastada anterolateral uyluk flebi, 4 hastada latissimus dorsi serbest flebi ve 1 hastada radial ön kol serbest flebi yer almaktaydı. Hastaların defektleri; 3 hastada el dorsumu, 1
 hastada amputasyon güdüğü, 2 hastada ön kol ile birlikte el dorsumu ve 3 hastada ön kol ile birlikte dirsekte bulunmaktaydı.
 Bulgular: Bütün hastalarda alıcı arter olarak radial arter seçildi. Alıcı ven olarak, radial arterin konkomitan veni veya yüzeyel venöz sistem kullanıldı. 6 hastada uç-uca, 3 hastada uç-yan anastomoz yapıldı.1 hastada arteriyel tromboz ve 1 hastada venöz tromboz gözlendi. Vasküler komplikasyon görülen bu hastalarda serbest latissimus dorsi flebi tercih edilmişti. İki hasta da erken dönem kurtarma cerrahisine alınarak anastomoz hatları yenilendi ve flepler kurtarıldı. Diğer hastalarda ek komplikasyon izlenmedi. Klinik serimizde flep kaybı yaşanmadı.
 Sonuç: Uygun vakalarda, üst ekstremite yumuşak doku rekonstrüksiyonları için serbest flepler güvenle kullanılabilir. Teknik deneyim gerektirmekle beraber, minimal donör saha problemleri nedeniyle perforatör tabanlı serbest fleplerin oldukça avantajlı olduğu ve uygun hastalarda ilk yöntem olarak güvenle seçilebileceği kanaatindeyiz.

Comparison of outcomes between single- and multiple-perforator-based free perforator flaps: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Perforator-based free perforator flaps have become an important tool for the reconstruction of tissue defects. The effect of the number of perforators on the outcomes of perforator flaps has been widely debated. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of single- and multiple-perforator-based free perforator flaps in free-flap reconstruction. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), Cochrane Library, and clinicaltrials.gov between January 2000 and June 2021 to identify studies that reported data on the outcomes of free perforator flaps. Two authors individually extracted data and performed quality assessment. Outcomes, including partial flap loss, total loss, fat necrosis, arterial insufficiency, venous insufficiency, hemorrhage and hematoma, wound dehiscence at recipient sites and donor site complications, were evaluated. Thirty-two studies with 2498 flaps were included in our analysis. No significant difference was found in the rates of partial loss and arterial insufficiency of flaps, hemorrhage and hematoma, wound dehiscence at recipient sites and donor site complications. However, the multiple-perforator group showed significantly lower rates of total loss (relative risk [RR]=1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78-1.79, p=.754), fat necrosis (RR=1.79, 95% [CI]: 1.36-2.36, p=.000) and venous insufficiency (RR=1.72, 95% CI: 1.07-2.79, p=.026) than the single-perforator group. The rates of total loss, fat necrosis and venous insufficiency in the multiple-perforator group were lower than those in the single-perforator group. Hence, we recommend that multiple perforators be included in the free perforator flap when appropriate, to yield better clinical outcomes in reconstruction.

A split flap technique shifting the location of perforator entry point to lengthen the pedicle of a multiple perforator based free flap

Background Pedicle length deficiency in microsurgical procedure is a challenging issue. The aim of this report is to present a case series of a flap-splitting technique for pedicle lengthening of large multiple perforator-based (MPB) free flaps. Methods In this retrospective case series, we reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent free flap repair with “split flap” pedicle-lengthening technique between August 2017 and December 2021. Main outcome measures included patient demographics, indications, defect size, flap type, additional vascular pedicle length, and flap survival. Results Data from 16 patients (age 38-78 years) were reviewed. Indications included breast reconstruction, repair of scalp malignancy or titanium mesh implant exposure, and repair of burn scar contracture. Flaps included ALT flap, LD flap and DIEP flap. The mean added pedicle length was 3.8 cm. Fifteen flaps survived completely and one flap was necrotic distally. No major complications occurred. Conclusions The ‘split flap’ technique could be an effective remedy for unexpected pedicle length deficiencies in large MPB free flaps.

A Standardized Approach to Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Marking.

Summary:The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap is the most commonly utilized flap in autologous breast reconstruction. This perforator-based free flap includes the lower abdominal wall adipocutaneous layers while sparing the abdominal musculature. Several studies have looked at preoperative planning for DIEP flap reconstruction using CT angiography; however, no study to date has proposed a standardized approach to DIEP flap markings. We propose a novel technique to standardize DIEP flap marking that leads to greater symmetry and consistency in the donor site.

Porcine experimental model for perforator flap raising in reconstructive microsurgery

BackgroundPerforator free flap–based reconstruction of the head and neck is a challenging surgical procedure and needs a steep learning curve. A reproducible mammal large animal model with similarities to human anatomy is relevant for perforator flap raising and microanastomosis. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a swine model for perforator-based free flaps in reconstructive microsurgery. MethodsEleven procedures were performed under general anesthesia in a porcine model, elevating a skin flap vascularized by perforating musculocutaneous branches of the superior epigastric artery to evaluate the relevance of this model for head and neck reconstructive microsurgery. ResultsThe anterior abdominal skin perforator–based free flap in a swine model irrigated by the superior epigastric artery was elevated in eleven procedures. In six of these procedures, we could perform an arterial and venous microanastomosis to the great vessels located in the base of the neck. ConclusionsThe porcine experimental model of superior epigastric artery perforator–based free flap reconstruction offers relevant similarities to the human deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. We could demonstrate this model as acceptable for perforator free flap training due to the necessity of perforator and pedicle dissection and transfer to a distant area.

Anatomical Study of Cutaneous Venous Flow of the Palm.

Various flaps elevated from the palm have been widely used for finger and hand reconstruction. Recently, perforator-based free flaps or venous free flaps have received popularity due to several advantages. The cutaneous venous system has been chosen as the circulatory outlet when designing and harvesting the flap from the palmer area due to the small size and thin nature of the flap. However, there have been few descriptions about the anatomy of the palmar cutaneous veins. A more detailed knowledge will be valuable for elevating various flaps from the palmar area. Whole-body and hand venography with a contrast medium was performed on 9 fresh cadavers. Dissection and investigation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue were performed using a soft x-ray system with a stereogram. During all the processes that involved elevating the tissue, observations were made on the macroscopic structure of the palmar vein. In the palm, a complex network of veins are connected with the distal branches of the cephalic vein, basilic vein, and dorsal venous arch. The pattern and geometric formation of the venous network in all cases showed distinctive features according to each region of the palm. The venous branches create a network extending to palmar margins and webs between fingers. Venous arrangement should be considered when designing flaps from the palm to prevent venous congestion and safely extend the length of the flap.

Regional Oxygen Saturation Index: A Novel Criterion for Free Flap Assessment Using Tissue Oximetry.

Tissue oximetry is a useful tool for postoperative free flap monitoring. Reported criterion values have been accurate; however, there are various complicated author-dependent criteria, and sometimes it is too late for flap salvage. The authors offer a new, simple criterion for faster and accurate detection of perfusion problems. Intraoperatively, perfusion areas of various free perforator flaps were assessed by both indocyanine green angiography and regional oxygen saturation. The elevated flap was categorized into the early-stained area, the delayed-stained area, and the no-stained area by indocyanine green angiography. The regional oxygen saturation index (regional oxygen saturation on the flap on the control nondissected portion) of each area was calculated. Postoperative continuous flap monitoring was conducted, recording the value of the regional oxygen saturation index at the early-stained area. The blood glucose measurement index was also recorded periodically. In 60 cases of perforator-based free flaps, intraoperative indocyanine green areas were significantly correlated with the values of regional oxygen saturation index. The postoperative regional oxygen saturation index showed very stable values in various types of perforator flaps, provided that no vascular problem occurred, and it never went below 0.75. When vascular problems occurred, the regional oxygen saturation index dropped below 0.75 in all three cases before the blood glucose measurement index and the absolute value of regional oxygen saturation dropped below the criterion value. The regional oxygen saturation index may be a simple and fast criterion for detecting vascular problems following free flap reconstruction compared with existing criteria. Diagnostic, II.

Expanding the Applications of the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap.

The profunda artery perforator free flap has not gained traction for nonbreast reconstruction, likely because of the presence of a proven workhorse in the anterolateral thigh flap. The authors believe that the profunda artery perforator flap offers similar coverage characteristics with the benefits of a medial donor site, a more consistent anatomy, and relatively easy dissection. The authors review their indications, technique, and outcomes in seven patients requiring eight free flap reconstructions. The authors applied the use of the vertically oriented profunda artery perforator flap to both lower extremity and head and neck reconstructions in which an anterolateral thigh flap would normally have been used. Details reviewed include soft-tissue defect, perforator location, flap size, recipient vessel, and complications. Eight soft-tissue defects were covered with a vertically oriented profunda artery perforator flap in seven patients. Six reconstructions were for distal lower extremity and two were for head and neck reconstruction, both trauma and oncologic reconstructions. Flap sizes ranged from 40 to 92 cm. The pedicle length ranged from 7 to 10 cm. There were no partial or complete flap losses. One complication of seroma at the donor site requiring washout and closure was encountered. The profunda artery perforator flap is a safe and effective option for perforator-based free flap reconstruction with relative ease of harvest and an inconspicuous donor site. This flap offers an excellent alternative to the anterolateral thigh flap. In certain patient demographics, the profunda artery perforator flap should be considered as a primary option. Therapeutic, V.

Buried Flap Reconstruction after Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy

Recent evolutions of oncologic breast surgery and reconstruction now allow surgeons to offer the appropriate patients a single-stage, autologous tissue reconstruction with the least donor-site morbidity. The authors present their series of buried free flaps in nipple-sparing mastectomies as proof of concept, and to explore indications, techniques, and early outcomes from their series. From 2001 to 2011, a total of 2262 perforator-based free flaps for breast reconstruction were reviewed from the authors' prospectively maintained database. There were 338 free flaps performed on 215 patients following nipple-sparing mastectomy, including 84 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with 134 buried free flaps. Ductal carcinoma in situ and BRCA-positive were the most common diagnoses, in 26 patients (30.9 percent) each. The most common flaps used were the deep inferior epigastric perforator (77.6 percent), transverse upper gracilis (7.5 percent), profunda artery perforator (7.5 percent), and superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps (3.7 percent). An implantable Cook-Swartz Doppler was used to monitor all buried flaps. Fat necrosis requiring excision was present in 5.2 percent of breast reconstructions, and there were three flap losses (2.2 percent). Seventy-eight flaps (58.2 percent) underwent minor revision for improved cosmesis; 56 (41.8 percent) needed no further surgery. Nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate autologous breast reconstruction can successfully and safely be performed in a single stage; however, the authors are not yet ready to offer this as their standard of care. Therapeutic, IV.

The Multiple Osteotomized Free Iliac Osteocutaneous Flap for Reconstructions of Complex Maxillofacial and Oromandibular Defects

The vascularized iliac osteocutaneous flap has been used successfully for jaw reconstruction. To obtain a better contour of the reconstructed area in large upper and lower jaw resections, the transferred bone actually needs to be osteotomized. Single closing-wedge osteotomy of the iliac flap for mandibular reconstruction has been previously described. In this article, the modified multiple osteotomized perforator-based versatile free iliac osteocutaneous flap is described. Eleven cases were enrolled. Seven patients had wide anterior mandibular resections due to oral cavity and mandibular tumors; 3 patients had a defect due to explosive injury and 1 patient had complicated orbitomaxillary defect due to blast injury. Skin paddle was based on the perforators. In 8 patients, the bony segment was divided into 3 segments by 2 osteotomies, whereas in 2 patients the bony segment was divided into 4 segments by 3 osteotomies. In 10 cases, the flap was used for anterior mandibular defects, whereas in 1 case the flap was customized to fit an L-shaped defect at the naso-orbito-maxillary region. The overall flap success rate was 100%. No resorption or morbidity related to the osteotomy of the bony segments was observed. The size of perforator skin paddle was 6 to 8 × 15 to 18 cm. Physical and radiologic examinations showed proper bone healing without any additional complications. The modified multiple osteotomized free osteocutaneous iliac flap can provide a safe and versatile bony segment to be arranged and adapted to reconstruct complex mandibular and maxillofacial defects.

Supermicrosurgery in Peroneal and Soleus Perforator-Based Free Flap Coverage of Foot Defects Caused by Occlusive Vascular Diseases

Limb salvage rates for lower limbs have improved tremendously for trauma and tumor victims. The optimal solution for coverage of defects caused by ischemic limbs does not exist. The authors believe the use of supermicrosurgery and perforator flap surgery might add a further tool useful to the reconstructive surgeon. After excisional débridement of the wound, under loupe magnification, branches of the terminal foot vessels were sought. Once identified and deemed suitable, the thin peroneal flaps were isolated based on perforator vessels. The flaps raised were either peroneal perforator-based or soleus perforator-based flaps. Microanastomosis was performed at the perforator level with 10-0 or 11-0 Ethilon sutures, and the flap was inset. The donor site was closed primarily. A total of 18 such flaps were raised in 17 patients with 15 septocutaneous and three musculocutaneous perforators. Sixteen peroneal perforator-based flaps and two soleus perforator-based flaps were used. There was one major (flap loss) and two minor (wound dehiscence) complications. The rest of the patients healed well, with no recurrence at a mean follow-up of 8.3 months. Limb salvage in ischemic limbs is now possible with supermicrosurgery and perforator flaps. This method allows contour resurfacing, avoids bulky tissue, is fast, and can be performed under regional anesthesia.

Partial Failure of a Muscle Perforator Free Flap Salvaged Using Its Source Vessel as a “Flow-Through” Pedicle to a Second Perforator Free Flap

Partial free flap failure can sometimes be more exasperating than total failure as the reason may be unknown, the best potential recipient site has already been violated, and the risk of undertaking a mandatory second free flap perhaps too extenuating. Muscle perforator flaps, often for inexplicable reasons, are also susceptible to partial flap necrosis. However, the large source vessel to their requisite perforator(s) can serve as a convenient second recipient site for attachment as a "flow-through" to another perforator free flap to salvage the overall reconstruction. In a metachronous fashion, this would represent a sequential chimeric perforator-based free flap and proves to be yet another inherent advantage of muscle perforator flaps.

Facial and frontal reconstruction with a modified radial artery perforator-based flap

Objective In attempt to improve the reconstruction of small defects in the facial and frontal regions, we developed a modified radial artery perforator-based free flap. Methods The free proxi-mal radial forearm flap was based on the distal perforator of the radial artery and the concomitant radial vein. The vascular pedicle passed through deep fascia. The free flap was transferred to repair the defects of the fa-cial and frontal regions. Results In 6 patients with frontal defects and 4 patients with facial defects, all flaps survived completely. After following up for 6-12 months, flaps underwent plastic surgery to become thin-ner. The flaps of 10 cases were good in skin texture and color at recipient sites. The scars were cosmetically acceptable. The superficial sensibility recovered well. Conclusion A modified radial artery perforator-based free flap was useful in coveting small defects of the facial and frontal regions. Key words: Radial artery; Perforator flap; Facial and frontal regions; Microsurgery

Hand resurfacing with the superthin latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flap.

Hand resurfacing with the superthin latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flap.

Hand Resurfacing with the Superthin Latissimus Dorsi Perforator-Based Free Flap

Hand Resurfacing with the Superthin Latissimus Dorsi Perforator-Based Free Flap

The thin latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flap for resurfacing.

The authors present their experience with "thin" latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flaps for resurfacing defects. Perforator-based free flaps have been used for various kinds of reconstruction by presenting important donor structures. The thin latissimus dorsi perforatorbased free flap included only the skin and superficial adipose layer to reduce its bulkiness by dissection through the superficial fascial plane. This flap was used in 12 clinical cases, without flap necrosis or other serious postoperative complications. All of the patients were examined by preoperative power Doppler ultrasound in the spectral Doppler mode to search for the most reliable perforator. This noninvasive ultrasound technique determines the exact location and course of and ensures the reliable flow of the perforators; therefore, it greatly assists microsurgeons in saving operation time and in selecting the most suitable design for perforator flap reconstruction. We used perforators that were identified several centimeters from the lateral border of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The thin flap dimensions could be safely designed for flaps measuring up to 20 cm in length and 8 cm in width for primary closure of the donor site. Generally, a long pedicle is not required for resurfacing reconstructions, where small recipient arteries in the bed are acceptable for anastomosis with pedicles. However, pedicle dissection to the proximal vessels through the latissimus dorsi muscle was required when it was necessary to match the recipient vein for anastomosis. The authors conclude that this thin latissimus dorsi perforator-based free flap has great potential for resurfacing because of its constant thickness, easy elevation with the help of power Doppler ultrasound information, and proper flap size for moderate defects caused by scar contracture release, superficial tumor ablation, and so on.