Objective To study the influence of the pedicle length on the perforator flaps in hemodynamics. Methods Four mature swine (2 males, 2 females; weight, 23.0±2.0 kg) were applied to the experiment.Two transverse abdominal skin flaps, based on the superior epigastric pedicle orits rectus abdominal muscle perforators, were designed; each swine was used as its own control. At 2 hours and 1, 2, 3 weeks postoperatively, the skin paddle perfusion and the blood stream velocity in the superior epigastric artery were measured by the Laser Doppler Flowmeter and the Color Doppler Ultrasound, respectively. Flap survival percentages were calculated by the grid method at 1 week postoperatively. The swine were euthanatized, and they underwent angiography at 3 weeks postoperatively. Results At 2 hours and 1 week after operation, edema of the perforator flaps with the superior epigastric pedicle was more severe than that of the skin flaps with the rectus abdominal muscle perforator, and the skin perfusion had a statistical difference between the two kindsof flaps (Plt;0.05). The skin paddle viability and the skin perfusion had nostatistical difference after the first week postoperatively (Pgt;0.05). At 2hours and 1 week after operation, the blood stream velocity in the superior epigastric artery in the perforator flap with the superior abdominal artery pediclewas reduced, and there was a statistical difference between the two kinds of flaps (Plt;0.05); however, the velocity was almost the same after the first week postoperatively. Conclusion The excessively long pedicle of the perforator skin flap may have an unfavorable influence on the flap perfusion,especially during the first week after operation, because of the vascular compromise during the dissection of the long pedicle. The blood vessel anastomosis atthis level of the blood vessels may have no relationship with the perforator flap in hemodynamics. This study can also indicate that the ligation of the branches in the recipient vessels cannot make the perforator flaps overperfused.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of pedicled thoracoacromial artery perforator (TAAP) flap for pharyngocutaneous fistula repair after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy.
MethodsBetween February 2012 and January 2015, TAAP flap was used to repair pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy and radiotherapy in 8 patients. The eight patients were male, aged from 46 to 72 years (mean, 51.8 years). The disease duration was 8-62 months (mean, 27.5 months). Fistula size ranged from 4.0 cm×2.5 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm and the skin defect size ranged from 4.0 cm×3.0 cm to 6.0 cm×4.0 cm. The flap size ranged from 7.0 cm×4.0 cm×0.3 cm to 9.5 cm×6.0 cm×0.5 cm. The length of pedicle was (8.3±0.5)mm. The distance from pivot point of flap to central point of recipient site was (94.5±1.9) mm.
ResultsAll 8 flaps survived and all incisions healed smoothly. The hospitalization time was 7-14 days (mean, 9.6 days). The barium meal examination showed no fistula or stenosis. The patients were followed up 8-42 months (mean, 28.5 months). During follow-up, the neck appearance was good, and no fistulas or stenosis occurred. Only linear scars were observed at the donor sites, pectoralis major muscle function was normal in all patients.
ConclusionPharyngocutaneous fistula should be repaired as early as possible after total laryngectomy. TAAP flap is suitable for the reconstruction of pharyngocutaneous fistula after total laryngectomy.
Based on skin elasticity and mobility, V-Y advancement flaps are designed to repair wounds. Traditional V-Y flaps have been limited due to short advancing distance. With the development of perforator flaps and the application of microsurgical techniques, V-Y advancement flaps are gradually transiting from traditional random flaps to axial flaps containing well-known vessels or perforator arteries. The advancing distance of V-Y advancement flaps is significantly increased, and the design forms are gradually flexible and diversified. V-Y advancement flaps are widely used in clinical practice and can be used to repair wounds in almost all parts of the body. This article reviews the clinical application progress of V-Y advancement flaps to further promote its clinical application.
Objective?To investigate the method and effectiveness of perforator flaps in repairing soft tissue defects of extremities.?Methods?Between June 2002 and December 2009, 81 patients with soft tissue defect of extremities were treated. There were 69 males and 12 females with an average age of 54 years (range, 13-75 years). Defect causes were injury in 35 cases (the disease duration ranged from 1 hour to 45 days), tumor resection in 19 cases, and scar resection in 27 cases. The defect located at limb and foot in 56 cases, forearm and hand in 25 cases. The defect size ranged from 3 cm × 3 cm to 23 cm × 18 cm. The perforator flaps included the peroneal artery perforator flap in 26 cases, the radial artery perforator flap in 18 cases, the medial plantar artery perforator flap in 18 cases, and the lateral circumflex femoral artery perforator flap in 19 cases. The flap size ranged from 4 cm × 3 cm to 25 cm × 18 cm. The donor site was sutured directly or repaired by free skin graft.?Results?Partial necrosis of the flaps occurred in 4 cases at 3-7 days after operation, then the flap survived after expectant treatment. The other flaps and free skin grafts survived successfully, and the incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 1 to 16 months with an average of 9 months. The appearance, texture, and colour of the flaps were similar to those of the donor site.?Conclusion?It is an effective method to use the perforator flap for repairing soft tissue defect of the extremities.
Objective To provide a comprehensive review for development and existing problems of the perforator flaps. Methods The related home and abroad l iterature concerning perforator flaps was extensively reviewed. Results The perforator flaps are defined as the axial flaps nourished solely by small cutaneous perforating vessels (perforating arteriesand veins), which are exclusively composed of skin and subcutaneous fat. The perforator flaps have the advantages as follows: less injury at donor site, less damage to the contour of the donor site, good reconstruction and appearance of the reci pient site flexible design, and short time of postoperative recovery, which have been widely used in reconstructivesurgery. Conclusion The perforator flaps are the new development of the microsurgery, which usher an era of small axial flaps; However, the controversies of the definition, vascular classification, the nomenclature, and the cl inical appl ication of the perforator flaps still exist, which are therefore the hot spot for future study.
Objective To investigate a best method of obtaining the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap by observing the models of different pedicles based sural neurofasciocutaneous flaps in rabbits and the effect of different pedicles on the survival of the flaps. Methods Forty adult New Zealand rabbits (male or female, weighing 2.5-3.0 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rabbits in each). The flaps of 7 cm × 1 cm were designed at the lateral hind legs, and the pedicle was 0.5 cmin length. In group A, the flaps were elevated based on a single perforator pedicle; in group B, the flaps were elevated based on fascia pedicle; in group C, the flaps were elevated based on perforator-plus fascia pedicle; and in group D, the flaps were elevated and sutured in situ. At 7 days after operation, the flap survival rate was recorded, and the blood flow in the center of the flap was monitored by laser doppler flowmetry. The perfusion unit (PU) was measured. Results After operation, the flaps had no obvious swell ing, and the flaps had good color at the proximal end, but pale at the distal end in groups A and B. Obvious swell ing was observed with pale color at the distal flaps in group C, but swell ing decreased gradually. However, the skin color became dark gradually in group D after operation. The flap survival rates were 74.0% ± 2.7%, 60.0% ± 2.5%, 75.0% ± 3.5%, and 0 in groups A, B, C, and D respectively after 7 days of operation. The PU values were 83.39 ± 4.25, 28.96 ± 13.49, 81.85 ± 5.93, and 8.10 ± 3.36 in groups A, B, C, and D respectively. There were significant differences in flap survival rates and PU values between groups A, B, C and group D (P lt; 0.05). Significant differences were found between groups A, C and group B (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference between group A and group C (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The sural neurofasciocutaneous flap based on a single perforator pedicle has a rel iable blood supply and enough venous drainage, which is one of the best methods to obtain the sural neurofasciocutaneous flap.
Objective
To evaluate the clinical outcomes of free perforator flaps combined with skin graft for reconstruction of ankle and foot soft tissue defects.
Methods
Between June 2014 and October 2015, 20 cases of ankle and foot soft tissue defects were treated. There were 16 males and 4 females, aged from 19 to 61 years (mean, 43.3 years). Injury was caused by traffic accident in 7 cases, by crashing in 9 cases, and machine twist in 4 cases. The locations were the ankle in 6 cases, the heel in 3 cases, the dorsum pedis in 4 cases, and the plantar forefoot in 7 cases of avulsion injury after toes amputation. The size of wound ranged from 15 cm×10 cm to 27 cm×18 cm. The time from injury to treatment was from 11 to 52 days (mean, 27 days). The anterolateral thigh perforator flap was used in 11 cases, thoracodorsal antery perforator flap in 3 cases, medial sural artery perforator flap in 4 cases, deep inferior epigastric perforator flap in 1 case, and anteromedial thigh perforator flap in 1 case, including 5 chimeric perforator flaps, 5 polyfoliate perforator flaps, 3 flow-through perforator flaps, and 3 conjoined perforator flaps. The size of the perforator flap ranged from 10.0 cm×6.5 cm to 36.0 cm×8.0 cm, the size of skin graft from 5 cm×3 cm to 18 cm×12 cm.
Results
Venous crisis occurred in 2 flaps which survived after symptomatic treatment; 18 flaps survived successfully and skin grafting healed well. The follow-up time ranged 4-18 months (mean, 8.3 months). The flaps had good appearance, texture and color, without infection. The patients could walk normally and do daily activities. Only linear scars were observed at the donor sites.
Conclusion
Free perforator flap can be used to reconstruct defects in the ankle and foot, especially in the weight-bearing area of the plantar forefoot. A combination of free perforator flap and skin graft is ideal in reconstruction of great soft tissue defects in the ankle and foot.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical application of the flap supported by perforating branch of the radial artery superior wrist catena-form blood vessel in repairing hand and wrist wound.
MethodsBetween March 2010 and March 2013, 24 cases of severe wounds in wrist were repaired with the flap supported by perforating branch of forearm radial artery and catena-form blood vessel. There were 15 males and 9 females, aged 19-54 years (mean, 37 years). In 22 patients with trauma, there were 9 cases of machine injury, 5 cases of traffic accident injury, 5 cases of crash injury of heavy objects, 1 case of sharp instrument injury, and 2 cases of electrical injury, with a mean disease duration of 11 days (range, 2-20 days). In 2 patients with tumor excision wound, there were 1 case of right forearm liposarcoma and 1 case of left forearm squamous-cell carcinoma, with the disease duration of 7 days and 3 months, respectively. All cases complicated by bone and tendon exposure. The size of defect was 4.5 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×7.5 cm, and the size of the flap was 6.0 cm×4.0 cm to 20.0 cm×8.5 cm. The donor site was directly sutured or repaired by skin graft.
ResultsPartial flap necrosis occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing change; the other flaps survived, and primary healing of incision was obtained. The patients were followed up 6-36 months (mean, 20 months). The flap featured good color and texture, and also recovered protective sensation at 6 months after operation, with a mean two-point discrimination of 12 mm (range, 11-14 mm). No ulcers of the flap was observed. At last follow-up, according to Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association for functional evaluation of upper limb, the function was rated as excellent in 19 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case.
ConclusionThe flap supported by perforating branch of forearm radial artery and catena-form blood vessel can be used to repair wound in wrist, which has no injury to the radial artery, and it also could be used for the patients with ulnar and radial artery injuries. Thus it is an ideal method to repair wound in the wrist because the operation is simple, and the flap has good appearance and texture.
Objective To evaluate 5 different kinds of perforator flaps for repairing soft-tissue defects and reconstructing the breast and tongue after the breast or the tongue resection.Methods From June 2005 to June 2006, 31 free or pedicled perforator flaps were used to repair the softtissue defects or reconstruct the organs in our hospital. The free anterolateral thigh flaps (ALT) were used in 16 cases to repair the soft-tissue defects in the head and neck after resection of malignant tumors, including malignant melanoma in 9, squamous carcinoma in 4, basaloma in 2 and malignant fibrous histocytoma in 1.Among them, 3 ALT flaps were used for reconstruction of the tongue after resection of the tongue (3/4); the maximum area of the flap was 26 cm×15 cm. The deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps (DIEP) were used in 10 cases, and the free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps (FTRAM) were used in 2 cases to reconstruct the breast.Secondary reconstruction was performed in9 cases, immediate reconstruction with the skin-sparing mastectomy at the sametime was performed in 3 cases. The bilateral breast reconstruction was performed in 3 cases and the unilateral breast reconstruction was performed in 9 cases. The breast reconstruction was performed in 1 case using the superior gluteal artery perforator flap (SGAP) and the inferior gluteal artery perforator flap (IGAP), respectively. One case had an uncovered bone (6 cm × 4 cm) in the middle andlower parts of the right cnemis, which was repaired by the pedicled local posterior tibial artery perforator flap (PTA,15 cm × 5 cm). The donor sites were sutured directly in 27 cases, the ALT flap in 3 and PTA flap in 1 were covered by the epidermal skin graft. Results The follow-up for 3-6 months revealed that in the 31 cases (33 free flaps, 1 pedicled flap), only 1 had a total necrosis of the transferred ALT flap for the neck defect repair after resection of the neck tumor, which was caused by the venous insufficiency. There was nopartial necrosis in the remaining ALT flaps. There was a partial fat liquefaction in the DIEP flap, and a pain of abdomen in the FTRAM flap. The distal partial necrosis occurred in the pedicled PTA flap (2 cm×1 cm) in 1 case, as a result of the venous insufficiency, which was managed successfully using daily dressings. One SGAP and one IGAP survived. ConclusionAlthough the perforator dissection is difficult and the vascular anatomy is complicated, application of the perforator flaps to repair of the softtissue defects and reconstruction of the organs is still an important step forward becaue of the minimal donor site “cost” and the maximal efficacy.
Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of high frequency color Doppler ultrasound for detecting perforators in the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap surgery.
Methods
Between February 2011 and July 2012, 8 patients underwent high frequency color Doppler ultrasound to detect the perforator anatomy before ALT flap surgery. There were 5 males and 3 females, aged 21-46 years (mean, 34 years). Defects were caused by excision of squamous cell carcinoma in 2 cases, by scalp avulsion in 2 cases, by soft tissue necrosis after neck trauma in 1 case, by excision of groin fibrosarcoma in 1 case, by excision of groin melanoma in 1 case, and by malformation of the face in 1 case. The defect size varied from 12 cm × 7 cm to 22 cm × 18 cm. The perforator with wider caliber, faster flow speed, and shorter intramuscular trajectory was selected, and the flap was designed according to the observed results, which size varied from 14 cm × 9 cm to 25 cm × 20 cm. The donnor sites were repaired by free skin graft.
Results
Totally, 19 perforators in the flap area were detected by high frequency color Doppler ultrasound, and 18 were identified during operation, with an accuracy rate of 94.7%. The point going out muscle, the travel and direction of perforators observed during operation were basically in accordance with those detected by high frequency color Doppler ultrasound. The other flaps survived, and obtained healing by first intention except 1 flap which had partial fat necrosis with healing by second intention. The skin graft at donor site survived. All patients followed up 4-16 months (mean, 8 months). The flaps had good color and texture.
Conclusion
High frequency color Doppler ultrasound is a valuable imaging modality for the preoperative assessment of the vascular supply for ALT flap.
