Superficial Inferior Epigastric Flap Research Articles

A Case-control Analysis of the Knight's Move Technique in a Chicken Wing Microsurgery Model: Video Article.

A Case-control Analysis of the Knight's Move Technique in a Chicken Wing Microsurgery Model: Video Article.

Microvascular Anastomosis of Vessels Less Than 0.5 mm in Diameter: A Supermicrosurgery Training Model in Lagos, Nigeria

The development of reconstructive microsurgery has now reached the supermicrosurgery stage. However the anastomosis of vessels under 0.5mm is still out of the comfort zone of the many microsurgeons. To confirm the technical feasibility and the reliability of this technique We relate our own experience in this regard using the free superficial inferior epigastric flap of the rat as a model for supermicrosurgery training at the Microsurgery Laboratory of the Lagos University teaching hospital. 18 of the 20 free flaps transferred survived at 1week. Two flaps necrosed and two flaps dehisced. We believe based on our work that the average microsurgeon can become comfortable working with these vessels.

Development of a Mouse Model of Abdominal Cutaneous Flaps for Breast Reconstruction

Autologous tissue transfer, in addition to replacing tissue that was lost during injury or surgery, offers women an excellent option to improve cosmetic appearance and self-confidence following mastectomy due to breast cancer. However, flap necrosis is a complication in obese patients undergoing this procedure. We created a mouse model to study the flap-related complications that leads to decreased flap survival in autologous breast reconstruction.MethodsLeft superficial inferior epigastric (SIE) pedicle abdominal-cutaneous flaps were elevated in 8 week-old, obese ob/ob male mice and their lean littermates. Flaps were followed by serial photography. Area of flap necrosis was measured at 7 days. Statistical analysis was performed.ResultsNecrosis was observed at the distal margin of the flaps, in both lean and obese groups. Lean left SIE flaps (n = 8) had a total area flap necrosis of 9.1% at 7 days whereas obese left SIE flaps (n = 8) had a total area flap necrosis of 45.5% at 7 days. Obese flaps had a statistically significant increase in necrosis compared to the lean flaps, p = 0.001.ConclusionsThere was a significant difference between flap survival in lean and obese SIE pedicle flaps in our mouse model. We have developed the first flap model of obesity utilizing the superficial epigastric pedicle in the mouse. This model is optimal for future studies to dissect out mechanisms that lead to the complications related to flap survival for breast reconstruction, especially in obese subjects.

Fiabilisation du lambeau de SIEA par angiographie fluorescente peropératoire au vert d’indocyanine en reconstruction mammaire

The lower abdominal skin and fat have become a standard for breast reconstruction. For 30 years, techniques have evolved, seeking to reduce the morbidity while increasing the reliability of the flap. The Superficial Inferior Epigastric flap Artery (SIEA) spares the abdominal fascia and provides a very satisfying autologous breast reconstruction. However, the pedicle of this flap and its angiosome exhibit a considerable variability, making its use less reliable than other abdominal flaps. The Indocyanine green (ICG) is soluble dye. When illuminated by an near-infrared light, the ICG emits fluorescence that is not trapped by the skin. A single device (Photo Dynamic Eye(®)) provides the emission of the near-infrared light and the reception of the fluorescence. It provides therefore a simple and efficient intraoperative real-time surface angiographic imaging. SURGICAL PROTOCOL: After dissecting the superficial inferior epigastric vessels, the abdominal flap was harvested from the abdominal wall preserving one perforator arising from the deep inferior epigastric vessels. The perforator was then clamped, and the vascular territory of the SEIA artery was visualized using laser-induced fluorescence of the indocyanine green. The surgical technique was modified depending on the indication for surgery and the result of perfusion measurements. The authors present four clinical cases of breast reconstruction with SIEA to illustrate this procedure. The SIEA flap is another surgical technique to achieve autologous breast reconstruction without abdominal morbidity or muscular dissection. Intraoperative angiographic imaging with ICG makes this flap more reliable.

Arterial and Venous Anatomies of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator and Superficial Inferior Epigastric Flaps

Sir: We have read with great interest the comments of Dr. Uraloğlu and colleagues on our recently published article, “Arterial and Venous Anatomies of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator and Superficial Inferior Epigastric Flaps.”1 We are very grateful to the authors for giving us the opportunity to further discuss our findings on these flaps using new imaging modalities, and would like to respond to each point in turn. The authors discuss our finding of absent perfusion deep to the Scarpa fascia in zone IV of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap even if a medial row perforator is used, which is in accord with previous findings by Moon and Taylor,2 and ask whether skin vascularization and survival could be increased by fatty tissue trimming. The relative underperfusion of this region in our study despite maximal flap filling suggests that where zone IV is included in a DIEP flap, this part of the flap should be thinned to the Scarpa fascia. Although this region is a likely source of the fat necrosis seen clinically in certain cases, it is unlikely to cause vascular steal, and we would conclude that it is unlikely that trimming the fatty tissue in this region would increase the skin perfusion. The authors ask whether we found a correlation between the diameter of deep inferior epigastric artery perforators and area of flap perfusion. We investigated the diameters and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator vessel wall thickness histologically and found no significant differences in the diameters of the medial or lateral row perforators, or between perforators in the same row. All flaps investigated were based on the single largest perforator from either the medial or lateral row. We found that flap perfusion was dependent on the branching pattern of the perforator, and that a single medial row perforator with wide subcutaneous branching crossing the midline was capable of perfusing the entire flap. In contrast, a single lateral row perforator preferentially vascularized the ipsilateral hemiabdomen and rarely crossed the midline. Both medial and lateral row perforators were investigated under the same experimental conditions; thus, we would expect similar results clinically. We use the superficial inferior epigastric artery flap for breast reconstruction in selected cases where a DIEP flap is planned but where vessel diameter is found to be suitable to harvest a superficial inferior epigastric artery, to reduce donor-site morbidity.3 We aimed to determine the perfusion mechanism of the superficial inferior epigastric artery and its area of perfusion. We found that the superficial inferior epigastric artery perfused the flap as a lateral row perforator would, and that no perfusion was seen across the midline. We were not suggesting application of superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps together with DIEP flaps, but sought to elucidate the common mechanisms in perfusion of the lower abdominal integument. We are very grateful to the authors for their comments and hope that we have provided further clarity on the mechanisms of DIEP flap perfusion. DISCLOSURE Neither of the authors has a financial interest in the content of this communication or of the article it relates to. Michel Saint-Cyr, M.D. Mark Schaverien, M.R.C.S. Department of Plastic Surgery University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, Texas

Improvement of Prearterialized Venous Flap Survival with Delay Procedure in Rats

The purpose of this experimental study is to investigate the improvement in flap survival of prearterialization with delay procedure in venous flaps in rats. The transverse superficial inferior epigastric flap was utilized. Forty-six rats were randomized into four groups: group 1 as arterialized venous flaps, group 2 as venous flaps of prearterialization with delay procedure, group 3 as arterial perfusion venous flap, and group 4 as venous perfusion venous flap. Direct observation, histological analysis, and vascular perfusion examination by Indian ink injection were performed for flap assessment. The percentage of flap survival was 41.6 +/- 2.4%, 98.0 +/- 1.8%, 89.5 +/- 1.0%, and 11.3 +/- 0.8% in these four groups, respectively. Significant differences were noted between groups ( P < 0.05) except for between group 2 and group 3 ( P > 0.05). Vascular perfusion studies revealed that the Indian ink filled the entire flaps of group 2 in comparison with partially filled flaps in other groups. Histological examination showed more small vessels were observed through all layers of the flaps as well as dilated superficial veins in group 2 than those in other groups. In conclusion, prearterialization with delay procedure can improve the viability of the flap, and this method may be a strategy for flap prefabrication based on the venous network.

The Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) Device for Hastened Attachment of a Superficial Inferior-Epigastric Flap to Third-Degree Burns on Hand and Fingers

The vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) device has a wide range of clinical applications, including treatment of infected surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, pressure ulcers, wounds with exposed bone and hardware, diabetic foot ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers. Increased release of growth factors has been described, leading to improved vascularization and thereby formation of new tissue. The system is also used in burn surgery for reconstructive purposes. In this case report, a patient suffered from a third-degree burn injury to the dorsum of the hand with exposure of tendons, necessitating the use of a flap reconstruction. The patient was treated with a superficial inferior-epigastric artery-based flap and the VAC system was applied in a created glove-like shape. Hastened attachment of the flap onto the exposed fingers was observed after 4 days. The author reports on the additional use of the VAC system to hasten flap attachment in a patient with a burn injury to the dorsum of the hand.

Using Genetically Modified Microvascular Free Flaps to Deliver Local Cancer Immunotherapy with Minimal Systemic Toxicity

Clinical use of cancer gene therapy has been prevented by the inability to deliver high levels of local transgene expression with acceptable host toxicity. The authors' laboratory has developed an ex vivo technique to genetically modify free flaps to deliver immunotherapy locally without systemic toxicity. Superficial inferior epigastric flaps were dissected in Fischer rats, perfused with a viral vector expressing the antitumor interleukin-12 (IL-12) for 1 hour, and re-anastomosed. Beneath the flaps was a bolus of 1 x 10(6) beta-human chorionic gonadotropin-secreting MADB-106 tumor cells. Tumor growth was monitored using beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels (secreted by the tumor) and size. IL-12 expression in tissue was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tumor inflammatory infiltrate was assessed using immunohistologic staining (CD8 and CD161) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (interferon-gamma). Serum levels of liver enzymes and histologic analysis were used to assess systemic toxicity. IL-12 expression was confirmed in the flap and surrounding tissue. The rate of tumor growth in the IL-12-treated group was significantly suppressed compared with the control group (p < 0.001). Liver enzyme levels remained normal, and histological evaluation of the liver, lung, and spleen revealed no evidence of inflammation in the treated group. Using genetically modified free flaps, the authors were able to deliver IL-12 directly into the local environment of a tumor and suppress its growth without eliciting toxic systemic effects. This technique could provide valuable adjuvant treatment after oncologic surgery for soft-tissue cancers, with the transduced flap reconstructing the defect and supplying a therapeutic agent to the resected tumor bed.

Improving Outcomes in Bilateral Breast Reconstruction Using Autogenous Tissue

Bilateral breast reconstruction utilizing autologous free tissue transfer is a complex procedure with multiple options for donor tissue available. This study set out to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing bilateral breast reconstruction with muscle-sparing free TRAM flaps versus those undergoing bilateral reconstructions utilizing procedures which aim to minimize abdominal donor site morbidity in the form of deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) or superficial inferior epigastric (SIEA) flaps. A retrospective review identified 31 patients and 62 free flaps for bilateral autologous breast reconstruction at our teaching institutions in Rochester, NY. Patients receiving procedures which aimed to minimize donor-site morbidity experienced a shorter length of hospital stay versus those patients undergoing bilateral free TRAM procedures (P = 0.0494 by t test and P = 0.0389 by parametric test). There was no significant difference in complication rates between these 2 groups. Other demographic and premorbid factors showed no difference between groups. Here, we demonstrate that bilateral autologous breast reconstruction with flaps which minimize donor site morbidity are a safe and effective option for bilateral reconstruction. Furthermore, patients who received bilateral breast reconstruction with abdominal wall sparing techniques (DIEP or SIEA flaps) had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay, with no significant difference in complication rates when compared with patients undergoing bilateral free TRAM procedures.

Microsurgical correction of facial contour in congenital craniofacial malformations: the marriage of hard and soft tissue.

The correction of facial asymmetry in complex craniofacial malformations presents a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. Deficiencies of both the facial skeleton and the overlying soft tissue must be addressed to achieve the optimal reconstructive result. We present our experience with a minimum of 1-year follow-up over a 5-year period with 19 patients who initially underwent standard facial skeletal reconstruction and subsequently required microsurgical soft-tissue reconstructions for final correction of facial contour. From July of 1989 to June of 1994, 19 patients with craniofacial malformations underwent microsurgical correction of facial contour using 21 free flaps. The underlying malformations included 15 hemifacial microsomias, 2 orbitofacial clefts, 1 congenital temporomandibular joint ankylosis with micrognathia, and 1 Tessier no. 30 (lower midline mandibular) cleft. Sixteen patients had previous facial skeletal correction using craniofacial techniques. Age at operation ranged from 6 to 27 years. Twenty-one microvascular flaps were used on the 19 patients: 19 deepithelialized parascapular flaps, 1 superficial inferior epigastric flap, and 1 fibula with soleus muscle and large skin paddle for a severe Tessier no. 30 facial cleft with severe micrognathia. Of the 15 patients with hemifacial microsomia, 10 were treated with parascapular fasciocutaneous flaps, 3 with parascapular flaps with bone, 1 with a parascapular flap with teres major muscle for additional bulk, and 1 with a superficial inferior epigastric flap. Complications were two limited hematomas drained at the bedside and a partial skin paddle slough of the fibula flap. Correction of facial contour in complex craniofacial malformations is possible using microsurgical techniques. These free flaps "camouflage" the underlying skeletal deformity that persists despite traditional skeletal reconstruction while restoring symmetrical facial contour. We recommend the marriage of both skeletal and microsurgical soft-tissue reconstructions to achieve the optimal aesthetic result for craniofacial contouring in these challenging patients.

Microsurgical Correction of Facial Asymmetry in 60 Consecutive Cases

Restoring soft-tissue contour in patients with facial asymmetry is a difficult problem for plastic surgeons. We report our experience with 57 consecutive patients who underwent 60 microvascular free flaps for the correction of facial asymmetry between July of 1989 and June of 1994. Etiologies of facial asymmetry included hemifacial microsomia, hemifacial atrophy, postradiation sequelae, burns and trauma, and selected congenital anomalies. Thirty-eight patients were reconstructed with a customized parascapular flap incorporating extensions of dorsal thoracic fascia. Other donor sites utilized were as follows: six superficial inferior epigastric flaps, three myocutaneous flaps, seven muscle flaps, and six fasciocutaneous flaps with bone. To correct facial asymmetry, the recipient site was dissected through a limited preauricular incision whenever feasible, and the superficial temporal artery and vein were used as recipient vessels. A monitoring skin paddle was rarely used. There were no flap losses in this series. Six patients experienced a postoperative hematoma, three of which were drained at the bedside. Limited skin slough occurred in three patients. No donor-site complications other than hypertrophic scarring were encountered. Flap revisions were performed in 22 of the 57 patients to maximize aesthetic results. Based on our experience, we feel that the operative approach presented here allows excellent and stable correction of facial asymmetry due to a variety of etiologies. Furthermore, this technique is applicable to other congenital craniofacial deformities such as Treacher-Collins syndrome and orbital-facial clefts.