Use Of Perforator Flaps Research Articles

Soft-tissue coverage of the hand

Soft-tissue reconstruction is a fast developing field with a multitude of innovations. This review provides an update on the most recently published reconstructive options for the pulp and the rest of the finger as well as discusses three general trends that can be broadly applied to hand reconstruction: strategies to reduce donor site morbidity with the use of perforator flaps, adipofascial flaps, venous flaps, and dermal substitutes; improving form and function of the reconstructed hand through the use of thin flaps, flap thinning, and combined flaps; ways to increase the reliability of these complex procedures, such as vascular mapping and pedicled flaps. These aims certainly are not new but have taken on a greater importance in recent years. The strategies presented in 2010 and 2011 show a shift towards perforator flaps, mainly pedicled but also free flaps. The basic principles of these flaps can provide a firm base on which further innovation can be built to improve patient outcomes.

Reconstruction of Lower Extremity with Perforator Free Flaps by Free Style Approach in Pediatric Patients

Pediatric reconstruction using microsurgery is accepted normal practice, and the use of perforator flaps is slowly increasing. This study presents clinical work using various perforator free flaps by free style approach to reconstruct lower extremity soft tissue defects in pediatric patients and evaluates its efficacy. Between June 2002 and February 2011, 32 cases (mean age: 10.1 years) were reconstructed with free style perforator free flaps. Retrospective evaluations for flap survival, growth character, and other associated morbidities were performed. Flaps used in this series are anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP), upper medial thigh perforator, and posterior interosseous perforator free flaps. The free style approach for pedicle dissection was successful in all cases. Early postoperative complications were 15.6% from hematoma collection to partial loss of flap. Although there was no total loss in this series, one case needed additional flap coverage to cover the partial loss of the flap. The long-term follow-up showed contracture along the margin, with 16% needing a releasing procedure. Bone growth was not affected by flap contracture. The overall results show perforator flaps using the free style approach to be a reliable and feasible approach for lower extremity reconstruction in the pediatric population.

Breast Reconstruction with the Profunda Artery Perforator Flap

The use of perforator flaps has allowed for the transfer of large amounts of soft tissue with decreased morbidity. For breast reconstruction, the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap, the superior and inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps, and the transverse upper gracilis flap are all options. The authors present an alternative source using posterior thigh soft tissue based on profunda artery perforators, termed the profunda artery perforator flap. Preoperative imaging helps identify posterior thigh perforators from the profunda femoris artery. These are marked, and an elliptical skin paddle, approximately 27 × 7 cm, is designed 1 cm inferior to the gluteal crease. Dissection proceeds in a suprafascial plane until nearing the perforator, at which point subfascial dissection is performed. The flap has a long pedicle (approximately 7 to 13 cm), which allows more options when performing anastomosis at the recipient site. The long elliptical shape of the flap allows coning of the tissue to form a more natural breast shape. All profunda artery perforator flaps have been successful. The donor site is well tolerated and scars have been hidden within the gluteal crease. Long-term follow-up is needed to evaluate for possible fat necrosis of the transferred tissue. The authors present a new technique for breast reconstruction with a series of 27 flaps. This is an excellent option when the abdomen is not available because of the long pedicle, muscle preservation, ability to cone the tissue, and hidden scar. Therapeutic, V.

Reconstruções pelveperineais com uso de retalhos cutâneos baseados em vasos perfurantes: experiência clínica com 22 casos

INTRODUÇÃO: As lesões pelveperineais representam grande parcela das interconsultas para o cirurgião plástico em hospitais gerais. O objetivo do presente trabalho é apresentar a experiência obtida no tratamento de pacientes com lesões perineais, sacrais e de quadril com o uso de retalhos com vasos perfurantes. MÉTODO: Foram estudados, retrospectivamente, os pacientes submetidos a avaliação pela equipe da Divisão de Cirurgia Plástica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, nos meses de fevereiro a maio de 2009, que apresentavam feridas em região pelveperineal e no quadril. No total, 22 pacientes foram submetidos a reconstrução com retalhos cutâneos e fasciocutâneos baseados em vasos perfurantes, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão. O período de seguimento médio foi de 6 meses. RESULTADOS: A lesão pelveperineal foi úlcera por pressão em 20 (91%) casos, infecção profunda em 1 (4,5%), e hidradenite perineal em 1 (4,5%). A opção dos retalhos foi previamente estabelecida, dependendo do local da ferida: úlceras sacrais, retalho baseado nas perfurantes da artéria glútea superior em 15 (68,2%) casos; úlceras isquiáticas, retalho baseado nos vasos perfurantes da artéria glútea inferior em 3 (13,6%) casos; e úlceras trocantéricas, retalho tensor da fascia lata perfurante em 2 (9,1%) casos. Retalho fasciocutâneo inervado gluteofemoral foi a opção para a reconstrução pós-síndrome de Fournier em um paciente e após ressecção de hidradenite perineal em outro. Houve necessidade de nova sutura para fechamento primário tardio em deiscência < 10% do perímetro da lesão em 3 (13,6%) casos, durante os primeiros 15 dias de pós-operatório. Não houve casos de necrose > 3% da superfície do retalho. Os resultados foram mantidos no período de seguimento avaliado. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo foram satisfatórios e ficou demonstrada a utilidade de retalhos cirúrgicos sem incorporação de músculo para reconstruções pelveperineais. Essa alternativa para tratamento é menos mórbida para as áreas doadoras e preserva o tecido muscular para possível intervenção futura.

Inadvertent Injury of Critical Perforator Vessels during Perforator Flap Surgery

Despite the widespread use of perforator flaps, little has been reported about the inadvertent injury of perforator vessels. We report a retrospective study of the inadvertent injury of perforator vessels. From 1992 through 2010, we transferred 467 free perforator flaps (314 anterolateral thigh [ALT] flaps, 99 fibula osteocutaneous flaps, 46 deep inferior epigastric perforator [DIEP] flaps, and 8 other flaps). Inadvertent injury of perforator vessels occurred in seven patients. The overall incidence was 1.5%. The rate of the injury was 0.95% with ALT flaps, 2.0% with fibula osteocutaneous flaps, and 4.3% with DIEP flaps. Of seven, six flaps were salvaged through anastomosis of the injured perforator vessels. Perforator injuries resulted more often from mishandling of perforator vessels than from dissection technique. Anastomosis of injured perforators is a practical salvage procedure that requires high microsurgical skill.

Perforatorlappen

Multimodal therapeutic concepts in cancer therapy more and more often allow a curative approach even in advanced stages of the disease. Frequently, however, the radical resection of tumor tissue results in a significant defect of the soft tissue and the reconstruction is a challenge for reconstructive surgery. As tissue engineering for artificial tissue replacement predominantly still remains experimental, reconstruction of defects with autologous tissue constitutes state of the art treatment. Different types of flaps are used, which are, however, are accompanied by sometimes substantial defects at the donor site. To reduce donor site morbidity so-called perforator flaps represent an interesting option in modern reconstructive surgery. The flaps are raised without the underlying muscle which means a reduction of donor site morbidity to a minimum. As there still remains a residual risk for failure precise preoperative planning should be given a high priority. The use of modern imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT) angiography, can minimize the risk of total loss of the flap, making the use of perforator flaps a safe procedure in modern reconstructive surgery.

Immediate conservative breast surgery reconstruction with perforator flaps: New challenges in the era of partial mastectomy reconstruction?

Introduction Although the use of local flaps in conservative breast surgery (CBS) reconstruction is a reliable technique, little information has been available regarding outcome following the use of perforator flaps. The purpose of this study is to analyze the feasibility, surgical planning and outcome following CBS reconstruction with intercostal artery perforator (ICAP) flap. Patients/methods Thirteen patients underwent CBS reconstructions with an ICAP flap. These flaps were raised from adjacent tissue located on the lateral and thoracic region and based on perforators originating from the costal and muscular segment of the intercostal vessels. The technique was indicated in patients with small/moderate volume breasts. Results Mean time of follow-up was 32 months. Flap complications were evaluated and information on patient satisfaction were collected. 61.5 percent had tumors located in the lower-outer quadrants and 69.2 percent had tumors measuring 2 cm or less (T1). Complications occurred in 3 patients (23%), including wound dehiscence in 2 patients and fat necrosis in one. All cases were treated by conservative approach with a good result. No flap loss or wound infection were reported. 90 percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with their result. Conclusion The ICAP flap is a reliable technique for immediate CBS reconstruction. The technique is advantageous because it does not require the use of muscle transfer, with minimum donor site morbidity. Success depends on patient selection, coordinated planning with the oncological surgeon and careful intra-operative management.

Painting the Pedicle: A Twist-Proof Marking Method

Pedicle twist in microsurgery can lead to flap compromise and inevitable failure if not identified and addressed in time. With increasing use of perforator flaps,[1] inadvertent twist of pedicle can take place at the time of raising, transferring, or insetting the flap, which can be difficult to detect. We would like to propose a simple, quick, and effective method of marking the pedicle prior to transfer.

Refined DIEP Flap Technique for Vaginal Reconstruction

To report our experience with vaginal reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap. Vaginal reconstruction can be accomplished with a variety of flaps, depending on the defect. The use of perforator flaps, however, is still uncommon. From June 2007 to April 2008, 5 patients with congenital vaginal absence and 1 patient with a total vaginectomy defect after ablative surgery underwent total vaginal reconstruction with pedicled DIEP flaps. Preoperative mapping of the perforators was performed using enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning with three-dimensional reconstruction. The desired perforators were selected according to their diameters and intramuscular courses. The vertically oriented DIEP flaps were then raised and tubed to form the neovagina, which was brought to the prerectal pocket through a retropubic tunnel. All flaps survived in their entirety. Wound infection occurred in 1 patient, and secondary healing was achieved with local wound care. The mean follow-up was 5 months. The vaginal depth remained stable, without evidence of orifice constriction. The vertical DIEP flap is a reliable option for total vaginal reconstruction with consistent results. It spares the rectus abdominus muscle when a muscle flap is not required.

Reconstructive Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The incidence of malignancies in the head and neck region is rising. Head and neck tumors are the eighth most frequent type of malignancy in German men, forming 3.3% of the total. As a result, the demand for functionally successful and esthetically pleasing reconstructions has increased. Review based on a selective analysis of the pertinent literature and the guidelines of the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as the authors' clinical and scientific experience. Microsurgical flap transfer has become the most important type of reconstruction, with a more than 90% rate of success, i.e., complete integration of the transplant in the recipient site. The most frequent complications are thromboses of the vein or artery of the pedicle. For each specific defect constellation, the most appropriate donor sites have been identified. Some donor sites are used for more than one defect. The principal risk factors for flap loss are prior operations on the neck, atherosclerosis, and previous radiation treatment. New developments include the use of perforator flaps, which can be anastomosed to very small vessels in the face, and wrist-carriers, which offer complete independence from head and neck vessels. The treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care of patients with tumors of the head and neck must be carried out by an interdisciplinary team. Full awareness of the available options for reconstruction helps the radiation therapist, oncologist, psychooncologist, general practitioner, and dentist to coordinate their efforts and advise their often mutilated and sometimes suicidal patients effectively.

Use of Radial Artery Perforator Flap From Burn-Injured Tissues

The hands and forearms are frequent sites of burn injury, and due to the high concentration of superficial tendons, bones, and joints, flaps are frequently needed to cover defects in these areas. We present a patient who suffered remote electrical injury to the right forearm which later developed into an open wound with exposed tendon. Successful coverage of this defect was accomplished with an islanded fasciocutaneous flap based on perforating arterial branches of the radial artery, which was harvested from an area of burn injury. Surgical treatment of hand and forearm wounds with axial pedicled flaps from areas of burn injury have been reported, but to our knowledge no reports describe the use of perforator flaps.

Preoperative CT angiography reduces surgery time in perforator flap reconstruction

The use of perforator flaps in breast reconstructions has increased considerably in the past decade. A disadvantage of the perforator flap is difficult dissection, which results in a longer procedure. During spring 2006, we introduced CT angiography (CTA) as part of the diagnostic work-up in perforator flap reconstructions to visualise each perforator more accurately. The main objectives were to reduce surgery time and the number of complications. A chart review was conducted 1 year after CTA introduction to investigate if these objectives were met. Patients with a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap who underwent preoperative analysis through CTA were retrospectively evaluated. The population <or=1 year before CTA introduction were the control group. The two groups were compared with respect to surgery time and complications (including flap failure). One hundred and thirty-eight DIEP breast reconstructions were done; 70 underwent preoperative CTA analysis, and 68 had preoperative Doppler investigation. Surgery time in the CTA group was significantly lower (P<0.001) than in the control group, 264 min (SD+/-62) versus 354 min (SD+/-83), respectively. There was a tendency for fewer complications in the CTA group compared with the control group. All flaps were successful in the CTA group. In the control group, one flap failed and partial necrosis occurred in three flaps. The differences were not statistically significant. Preoperative CTA in the assessment of vascular anatomy during perforator flap reconstruction was safe and reliable. It helped reduce surgery time, and may prevent the number of postoperative complications.

S312: Use of Perforator Flaps in Maxillofacial Reconstruction

S312: Use of Perforator Flaps in Maxillofacial Reconstruction

Invited Discussion: Harvesting of forearm perforator flaps based on intraoperative vascular exploration: Clinical experiences and literature review

Advancements in microsurgery and a better understanding of vascular anatomy has allowed for expanding indications for perforators flaps in reconstructive surgery. The use of perforator flaps in the forearm has not become widespread, yet the benefit of sparing a major peripheral artery such as the ulnar or radial is certainly worth considering. The authors present their experience with perforator flaps in the forearm.

Harvesting of forearm perforator flaps based on intraoperative vascular exploration: Clinical experiences and literature review

The use of perforator flaps all over the body, as free microsurgical transfers, as well as pedicled or transposition flaps gained more and more importance in the surgery of tissue defects. When we consider harvesting such flaps at trunk level, in repeatedly traumatized areas, after previous surgery or when we plan to use the perforator flap as a free flap, it is very important to perform preoperative investigations aimed to precisely localize the perforator or perforators able to sustain such a flap. But, at limb level and, especially, at forearm level, the preoperative investigations cannot always have a complete justification. After a short review of the main preoperative investigations used in flap surgery and considering our color Doppler study, we will present in this article our technique of performing such flaps in the forearm, without any preoperative perforator vessel detection.

低侵襲の頭頸部再建術

低侵襲の頭頸部再建術

Use of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Perforator Flap in the Reconstruction of Gunshot Wounds to the Face

The reconstruction of large avulsive tissue loss in the head and neck region is one of the most difficult tasks faced by reconstructive surgeons. The advent of free tissue transfer has improved our ability to predictably reconstruct these patients. One of the most recent advances in the field of microvascular surgery is the use of perforator flaps. We have used the lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator (LCFAP) flap for reconstructions in patients who have suffered severe gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the maxillofacial area. A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients treated with a LCFAP flap in our division for large defects of the face resulting from GSWs between July 2005 and July 2006. The patient's age and gender, site and size of defect, and degree of bone and soft tissue loss were recorded. Flap survival and donor site morbidity were noted as outcomes of the reconstruction. Four patients who met the inclusion criteria were identified. The success rate for the flaps was 100%. There was no partial necrosis of the flaps. The size of the defect ranged from 20 x 10 cm to 10 x 10 cm. None of the patients had donor site complications, and all donor sites were closed primarily. Use of the LCFAP flap for the reconstruction of large defects secondary to GSWs to the face is a reliable option for the immediate reconstruction of this patient population. The lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator (LCFAP) flap is at a site not involved in the immediate resuscitation of trauma patients, thus ensuring an intact vascular system. This fact makes the LCFAP flap a reliable source for small to large soft tissues for reconstructing avulsive soft tissue losses in the head and neck.

Use of Perforator Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Use of Perforator Flaps in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Anterolateral thigh perforator flap from previously burned skin for secondary reconstruction of neck with post burn sequelae, new limits explored

We report the use of anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTF) from previously burned skin for reconstruction of burn cervical contracture. At the time of treatment, there are no reports of the use of perforator flaps from previously burned skin. We have used this technique and feel that it might be an option to consider in view of the fact that massively burned patients often have limited donor site availability, despite requiring flap tissue to resurface difficult anatomical regions.

Rhomboid Perforator Flap for a Large Skin Defect Due to Lumbosacral Meningocele

To date, very few studies have reported the use of perforator flaps in newborn infants with an immature vascular system. Therefore, it is not clear whether perforator flaps can be used in newborns, as in adults. In this study, we applied the perforator flap procedure to a newborn infant, who had a large skin defect due to lumbosacral meningocele. We used the rhomboid perforator flap, which was a combination of using a rhomboid flap reported by Ohtsuka et al and preserving paraspinal perforator vessels according to Thomas. Although perforator vessels were so thin as to necessitate careful dissection and flap design, a good result was obtained by this procedure. We consider that the rhomboid perforator flap is a simple and reliable procedure for the treatment of lumbosacral meningocele.