The thoracodorsal vascular tree-based combined fascial flaps

In this study, combined fascial flaps pedicled on the thoracodorsal artery and vein were raised and used for thin coverage of dorsal surfaces of the fingers and the dorsum of hand and foot with favorable results. The combined fascial flaps consist of the serratus anterior fascia and the axillary fascia at the entrance of the latissimus dorsi. These flaps were used for reconstruction of the hand, fingers, or foot in nine patients. Reconstruction was performed for burn or burn scar contracture, after resection of malignant tumors, posttraumatic skin defects, and chronic regional pain syndrome. The sites of reconstruction were dorsal surfaces of fingers, dorsum of hand, wrist and palm, forearm, lower leg, and foot. The flaps were used in various configurations including two independent fascial flaps, two-lobed fascial flap with separate feeding vessels, and composite fascial and thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The fascial and skin flaps survived in all nine patients, with favorable results both functionally and esthetically. Good coverage of soft tissue defects and good recovery of range of motion in resurfaced joints were achieved. There were no complications. The scars at the sites of harvest were not noticeable. The advantage of this method is that not only a single flap but flaps of a variety of configurations can be harvested for different purposes. The thoracodorsal vascular tree-based combined fascial flaps are useful for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the extremities.     

Distally-based free vascularized tissue grafts in the lower leg

In the field of orthopaedic surgery, the lower leg is often treated by free vascularized tissue grafts. In performing these grafts for reconstruction of the lower leg, the anterior tibial artery and its venae comitantes are frequently selected as anastomosing recipient vessels. However, due to the deep location of the anterior tibial vessels, it is extremely difficult to accomplish antegrade microsurgical anastomoses between the donor vessels and the anterior tibial vessels. This technical difficulty often leads to the possibility of immediate postoperative arterial and venous occlusion. To resolve this problem, the idea of a reverse-flow island flap has been applied to the free vascularized tissue grafts for reconstruction of the lower leg, based on both artery and vein reconstructed with retrograde blood flow. To evaluate clinical outcomes of the procedure mentioned, the postoperative results of 14 patients were reviewed. The free vascularized grafts consisted of seven vascularized fibular grafts with peroneal flaps, six vascularized latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps, and one vascularized groin flap. Venous congestion of the flap was not observed and all flaps survived. Bone union was obtained in seven patients treated with vascularized fibular grafts. There were no serious postoperative complications. Distally-based free vascularized tissue grafts in the lower leg are useful procedures in reconstruction of massive bone defects and osteomyelitis of the tibia, and for skin defects on the anterior aspect of the lower leg.     

Reliability of primary vein grafts in lower extremity free tissue transfers.

Free flaps transferred to the lower extremity have a higher risk of failure, which may be expected to increase further with the use of vein grafts. The results of 103 consecutive free flaps to the lower extremities of 98 patients who were operated from March 1994 to December 1999 were evaluated to assess the reliability of vein grafts in lower extremity reconstruction. Five flaps were lost and the overall success rate was 95.1%. Eighty-four free tissue transfers in 79 patients were performed for the reconstruction of traumatic cases, and 81 of these flaps were performed in a delayed manner, between 1 week and 4 months after the injury. Interpositional vein grafts were used primarily in 22 flaps--all in traumatic cases--and 21 of them survived completely (95.4%). Primary vein grafts were used both for arteries and veins in 15 flaps and for arteries only in 7 flaps. The most common cause of tissue loss in these patients was a crush injury in earthquake survivors, followed by electrical injuries, gunshot injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and chronic infections. Free muscle flaps in 13 patients, skin flaps in 4 patients, osseous flaps in 2 patients, and temporal fascial flaps in 2 patients were the flaps of choice in vein graft reconstructions. Although a higher incidence of flap loss has been reported with the use of interpositional vein grafts than with regular transfers, and the technical and pathophysiological problems in flap transfers are also high in the lower extremity, the success rate in vein-grafted free flaps did not differ from that of the simple free flap transfers in the current series. This appears to be the result of meticulous preoperative planning and proper selection of recipient vessels during optimal operative conditions.     

Free temporoparietal fascial flaps and full-thickness skin grafts in aesthetic restoration of the nose

Free tissue transfers have been rapidly replacing distant flaps for use in nasal reconstruction. The temporoparietal fascial flap is a thin, broad, pliable, and well-vascularized flap. It can be used to drape over the cartilaginous and bony framework of the nasal skeleton and nourish the underlying primary cartilage grafts as well as the overlying full-thickness skin graft. The thin contour of the flap is aesthetically superior to thicker skin flaps and eliminates the need for secondary defatting or touch-up procedures. A large, single sheet of full-thickness skin graft, harvested from the supraclavicular region, can be applied over the fascial flap in the same session and provide a quite acceptable color match. The authors present a case whose alar margins and atrophic nasal skin were restored in one session by primary conchal cartilage grafts, a free temporoparietal fascial flap, and a full-thickness supraclavicular skin graft.     

Bipedicle fasciocutaneous flaps for inframalleolar vascular graft coverage at the ankle/foot.

In 9 patients requiring inframalleolar bypass (11 extremities), intraoperative consult revealed exposed saphenous vein grafts at either the medial ankle or the dorsum of the foot in which primary wound closure resulted in the reduction or occlusion of blood flow. In these patients, longitudinally oriented bipedicle fasciocutaneous flaps were raised with widths of 3 to 4 cm and lengths ranging from 12 to 18 cm, with Doppler confirmation of discrete fascial perforators. Split-thickness skin grafts were placed in the wake of the flaps. Patient follow-up ranged from 2 to 78 months. All wounds healed, and 10 of 11 limbs were salvaged. Bipedicle flap coverage allows reconstruction of soft-tissue defects with the transposition of local tissues of similar qualities, avoiding the need for more complex distant tissue reconstruction. The inclusion of the deep fascia with the flap enhances its vascular perfusion, even in the ischemic lower extremity, with concurrent revascularization. The reliability of this type of flap is not dependent on traditional concepts of length-to-width ratios, but rather on standard principles of angiosome anatomy.     

Serratus anterior free fascial flap for dorsal hand coverage.

Reconstruction of the dorsal surface of hand defects requires thin, pliable, well-vascularized tissue with a gliding surface for the extensor tendon course. Fasciocutaneous or fascial flaps are the two surgical options. Fascial flaps present the advantages of thinness and low donor site morbidity. The authors present 4 cases of serratus anterior free fascial flap (SAFFF) used to cover the dorsum of the hand. The SAFFF with skin graft has many advantages for a fascial flap: long, constant vascular pedicle; very thin, well-vascularized tissue; low donor site morbidity; and the possibility of simultaneous donor and recipient site dissection. Furthermore, it can be associated with other flaps of the subscapular system for complex reconstructions. Of the 4 observations described, 2 used associated flaps, 1 used the SAFFF with a latissimus dorsi flap, and 1 used a scapular bone flap with the SAFFF. One flap was lost due to an electrical lesion to the forearm vessels.     

Face resurfacing using a cervicothoracic skin flap prefabricated by lateral thigh fascial flap and tissue expander

Background: Resurfacing of facial massive soft tissue defect is a formidable challenge because of the unique character of the region and the limitation of well‐matched donor site. In this report, we introduce a technique for using the prefabricated cervicothoracic skin flap for facial resurfacing, in an attempt to meet the principle of flap selection in face reconstructive surgery for matching the color and texture, large dimension, and thinner thickness (MLT) of the recipient. Materials: Eleven patients with massive facial scars underwent resurfacing procedures with prefabricated cervicothoracic flaps. The vasculature of the lateral thigh fascial flap, including the descending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex vessels and the surrounding muscle fascia, was used as the vascular carrier, and the pedicles of the fascial flap were anastomosed to either the superior thyroid or facial vessels in flap prefabrication. A tissue expander was placed beneath the fascial flap to enlarge the size and reduce the thickness of the flap. Results: The average size of the harvested fascia flap was 6.5 × 11.7 cm. After a mean interval of 21.5 weeks, the expanders were filled to a mean volume of 1,685 ml. The sizes of the prefabricated skin flaps ranged from 12 × 15 cm to 15 × 32 cm. The prefabricated skin flaps were then transferred to the recipient site as pedicled flaps for facial resurfacing. All facial soft tissue defects were successfully covered by the flaps. The donor sites were primarily closed and healed without complications. Although varied degrees of venous congestion were developed after flap transfers, the marginal necrosis only occurred in two cases. The results in follow‐up showed most resurfaced faces restored natural contour and regained emotional expression. Conclusion: MLT is the principle for flap selection in resurfacing of the massive facial soft tissue defect. Our experience in this series of patients demonstrated that the prefabricated cervicothoracic skin flap could be a reliable alternative tool for resurfacing of massive facial soft tissue defects. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2009.     

Bare dorsal thoracic fascial flap for esophageal defects: an experimental study with dogs

Background

Reconstruction of esophageal defects has challenged reconstructive surgeons for a long time. Problems that affect the continuity of the orogastic tract influence the patient’s quality of life and general health. Bare free fascial flaps are used to restore soft tissue defects of the oral cavity because they provide thin, pliable tissues with a high capacity for epithelialization to preserve the local anatomy. An experimental study was planned to investigate reconstruction of anterior cervical esophageal defects using a pedicled dorsal thoracic fascial flap.

Methods

Eight hybrid dogs were used in the study. All operations were planned in three steps and performed with the animals under general anesthesia. For the two-layered reconstruction, the bare dorsal thoracic fascial flap was harvested and adapted like a patch to the defect.

Results

No partial or total flap loss was observed. On postoperative day 20 surgery, a complete epithelial lining on the same plane as the esophageal mucosa was observed over the flap tissue. A 4- to 5-mm longitudinal scar that did not form even a minimal stricture in any dog also was observed. No significant changes from postoperative day 20 to postoperative days 40 and 60 were observed.

Conclusion

Bare fascial flaps in the oral cavity heal with spontaneous epithelialization and with no need for skin and mucosal grafts. Fascial flaps are easy to harvest and do not cause any functional loss because they are nonfunctional units. Their thin constitution helps the surgeon to shape the tissue and even form tubed flaps.     

前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行脂肪筋膜瓣联合皮片移植修复手背缺损创面

目的 探讨前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行脂肪筋膜瓣联合皮片移植修复手背缺损创面的临床疗效.方法 应用前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行脂肪筋膜瓣联合皮片移植修复14例手背部缺损创面患者.术前进行脂肪筋膜瓣设计,脂肪筋膜瓣切取面积8 cm×6 cm~12 cm×9 cm,覆盖创面后在脂肪筋膜瓣表面加皮片移植.结果 14例脂肪筋膜瓣及移植皮片全部成活.患者均获随访,时间4～10个月.脂肪筋膜瓣色泽、质地、弹性均良好,无臃肿,无前臂骨间背侧神经损伤,患者功能恢复较满意.结论 前臂骨间背侧动脉逆行脂肪筋膜瓣联合植皮是修复手背部创面缺损的有效方法.     

The fasciovascular pedicle for revascularization of other tissues.

A fasciovascular pedicle based on the epigastric vessels was developed in a rat model to determine if it could be used as a "universal carrier" to revascularize a new composite flap. The effects of time course, carrier size, and flap ischemia on the revascularization process were studied. A 2.5 x 4-cm or 1 x 4-cm fascial patch pedicled on the vessels was transferred under bipedicled 2.5 x 4-, 6-, or 8-cm abdominal panniculocutaneous flaps. At different time intervals, the flap was raised as an island flap connected only by it vascular bundle and then sutured back in place. The skin perfusion by dermofluorometry and flap survival were both markedly increased on day 5 (p less than 0.001). The wide carrier had a 93% survival area, whereas the narrow carrier had only 71%. The wide carrier induced relatively faster and better revascularization (p less than 0.05). Moderate ischemia promoted revascularization (p less than 0.01). An india ink injection study and histological examination provided visual evidence of revascularization. This fasciovascular pedicle is a promising model for prefabrication of complex new composite flaps and for studying the process of revascularization between the layers. Based on these findings and further investigations, a thin, prefabricated abdominal free flap was successfully transferred for facial resurfacing in humans.     

Use of a 72‐cm‐long extended bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator free flap for reconstruction of a lower leg with no suitable recipient vessel around the injury zone: A case report

In free‐flap reconstruction of the lower extremity, due either to trauma or pre‐existing vascular disease, healthy vessels may not be readily available in the proximity of the defect. A variety of options including a cross‐leg free flap, vein grafts, arteriovenous loops, and “bridging” flaps have been used to address the issue. The purpose of this report is to present a case in which a 72‐cm long extended bilateral deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) free flap was used for coverage of a 20 × 25 cm soft tissue defect of the lower leg following a Gustilo grade IIIC fracture in a 29‐year‐old man. Because usable recipient vessels were far from the zone of injury, and to avoid complications accompanying long vein grafts, a long flap was necessary. The exposed tibia required coverage with a free flap, but peripheral portions of the defect with exposed muscles could be covered with a skin graft. Thus, a 72 × 12 cm flap was chosen. The flap was based on both bilateral DIEPs and on the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA). The flap survived completely with no complications. After one debulking surgery, the flap and the donor site showed pleasing cosmesis, and the patient could walk without crutches at 18 months after the first surgery. In cases where no healthy recipient vessels can be found close to the defect, we believe that the use of an extended bilateral DIEP flap may be a feasible option which shortens or precludes vein grafts with no additional flap donor sites.     

Implantation of a muscle flap in a free bone graft to promote revascularization

Summary In experiments on rats, muscle flaps were implanted into free bone grafts and the effect of this procedure on the revascularization of the grafts determined. Tail vertebrae served as the bone grafts. A pedicled muscle fascicle was introduced into a hole drilled through the vertebra. The processes developing in the bone graft were the same in principle as those seen with vascular implants. Capillary proliferation starting from the implanted muscle fascicle finally communicated with the vessels of the graft, greatly contributing to its revascularization. In the bone graft simultaneous absorption and deposition of bone tissue could be observed. Six months after the operation, new bone tissue had replaced the eroded parts of the graft. Implantation of a muscle flap will encourage revascularization of free bone grafts in the same way as implantation of a vascular bundle.     

腓骨肌腱鞘筋膜瓣与脂肪筋膜瓣联合转移修复足跟后深度组织缺损

目的探索一种新的局部组织瓣修复足跟后深度组织缺损的方法及效果。方法于小腿下段,外踝腓外侧筋膜间隙,设计切取腓骨肌腱鞘筋膜瓣与脂肪筋膜瓣联合转移,最大筋膜瓣6cm×13cm,覆盖跟腱及跟骨裸露缺损,在其上移植全厚皮片或中厚皮片修复。结果2004至2005年11月,修复足跟后组织缺损6例。修复最小缺损3·5cm×4·0cm,最大4cm×6cm。术后转移筋膜瓣,移植皮片完全存活。随访3个月至1年11个月,供受区稳定愈合,功能形态恢复满意。结论腓骨肌腱鞘筋膜瓣与脂肪筋膜瓣联合转移加皮片移植法,就近取材,供区损伤小,筋膜瓣薄,柔韧滑润,血运恒定丰富,手术时间短,为小腿下段足跟后难愈性中、小面积缺损提供了一种新的简便、可靠的修复方法。     

Coverage an irradiated wound of the lower lumbar area with a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap by lengthening the vascular pedicle with interpositional vein grafts

Reconstruction of radionecrosis of the lower lumbar area is a challenging problem because of the difficulty of mobilization of the irradiated local tissues, absence of a reliable locoregional procedures and prolongation of the receiving vessels of the free flaps. The ideal treatment is a wide excision of the irradiated tissues and an immediate reconstruction in one step, which is better to be done by using a musculocutaneous flap. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap is ideal for this indication. The authors prefer to do the revascularization of the latissimus dorsi flap by its'thoracodorsal pedicle because of the possibility to have a high pressure blood flow which allow to use long venous bypass, the exposure of the recipient vessels at the same time of dissecting the flap and to have the anastamosis site away from the irradiated tissue. The authors are presenting their experience in treating a case of radionecrosis in the lower lumbar region with exposed vertebrae by a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap with exposed vertebrae by a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap with the lengthening of its'pedicle by two 30 cm interposition saphenous vein grafts.     

带真皮下血管网超薄皮瓣血运重建的实验研究（三）超薄皮瓣的再血管化与血供变化

以猪作为动物模型，对带真皮下血管网超薄皮瓣的血运重建规律进行了探讨。以超薄皮瓣为实验组，保留真皮下血管网皮片为对照组，按自身配对原则随机分为６个组。通过荧光素显色，透明标本，组织学，明胶墨汁灌注过程中超薄皮瓣的染色情况等观察，发现超薄皮瓣的再血管化发生在术后第５天，至第７天新生血管通过塑形趋于成熟。它既发生在皮瓣与受床之间，又发生在皮瓣与创缘之间，而且由皮瓣成活部分远端渐至近端。     

Abdominal wall reconstruction with the free tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap using intraperitoneal gastroepiploic recipient vessels

The authors report their experience with a method for definitive abdominal wall reconstruction using the free tensor fascia lata musculofasciocutaneous flap anastomosed to the intraperitoneal gastroepiploic vessels. This is a single-stage reconstruction capable of reconstructing reliably a full-thickness defect involving any region of the abdominal wall. The fascial component of the flap reconstructs the abdominal wall with like tissue, and the cutaneous portion of the free tensor fascia lata provides a durable and aesthetically acceptable external cover. The intraperitoneal gastroepiploic artery and vein were the first-choice recipient vessels used in all three patients. These intraperitoneal recipient vessels allow uninterrupted fascial closure, restoring structural integrity to the abdominal wall, and allow the use of free flaps with short vascular pedicles. The authors present a series of three cases of full-thickness upper and lower abdominal wall reconstruction using this method, presenting its advantages compared with other methods.     

Experimental fascial flap model in the dog: free flap of the dorsal thoracic fascia

For years, various types of fascial flaps have been used in clinical practice; however, there are many unanswered questions regarding their basic physiology, anatomy and histopathologic changes occurring after transfer. Simple and reliable flap models are needed to investigate these questions, but very few of these flap models have been described in experimental animals to date. The purpose of this study was to describe a new reliable fascia flap model in the dog-the dorsal thoracic fascia flap. This fascia is defined as the anatomic layer that contains the blood supply to the scapular and parascapular fasciocutaneous flaps. Fourteen adult dogs were used in this experiment. The vascular anatomy of the dorsal thoracic fascia was studied by anatomic dissection and microangiography. Anatomic dissection revealed that the main axial vessel supplying the dorsal thoracic fascia was the superficial branch of the thoracodorsal vessel. Based on the vascular pedicle, fascia flaps generally measuring 15 x 24 cm were created. At gross observation, all of these large flaps based solely on the vascular pedicle were observed to be well-perfused. Microangiographic examination revealed the intense vascularity of the superficial branches of the thoracodorsal vessels in the whole area of all flaps. It was concluded that this is a simple and reliable fascial flap model which can be prepared as a free or pedicled flap. It has a consistent, long vascular pedicle with large vessel diameters supporting a large fascial flap.     

Lateral arm fascial flap: microarterial anatomy and potential clinical applications

Previously, muscle flaps and the omentum have been used to indirectly vascularize tissues. Induction of synangiogenesis, or indirect vascularization through the formation of collateral vessels, occurs through the development of vascular connections at the interface between the donor and recipient tissues. Unfortunately, muscle and omental flaps are bulky and, when used to salvage ischemic hands and digits, may limit digital range of motion. Additionally, disadvantages to using omentum include a requirement for an intraabdominal procedure and a lack of subsequent donor tissue if the contralateral limb becomes involved at a later time. The purpose of this anatomic study was to develop a customized lateral arm fascial flap (LAFF) which may be used for flap prefabrication or synangiogenesis of non-bypassable ischemia. Detailed anatomic dissections were performed to more thoroughly define the microvascular anatomy of the LAFF. Computer analysis of the data was performed to demonstrate the potential clinical application of using the LAFF. Dissections revealed a consistent pattern of vessels branching within the lateral arm fascia and to the neighboring musculature. In order to optimize the surgical use of available tissue, computer-aided design techniques were used to model a reliable fascial free flap for inducing synangiogenesis while imparting minimal donor-site morbidity. Anatomic studies of the LAFF revealed pitfalls in flap dissection, while computer-generated models illustrated the detailed microarterial anatomy of the LAFF and potential limitations in flap design. Potential clinical applications for use of this low-profile fasciovascular conduit are noted.     

足背动脉逆行岛状筋膜瓣联合植皮在甲皮瓣切取后创面修复中的应用

目的 报告应用足背动脉逆行岛状筋膜瓣联合植皮修复甲皮瓣切取后创面的方法及临床疗效.方法 对8例拇指套脱伤应用甲皮瓣移植修复后,供区创面缺损面积最大为3.5 cm×6.8 cm,最小为2.5 cm×4.9 cm.以足背动脉足底穿支为旋转点,足背动脉体表投影为轴线,在踝前设计足背动脉岛状筋膜瓣,切取足背动脉周缘筋膜组织,结扎足背动脉近端分支,逆行转移至趾切取后的创面,并在筋膜上植全厚皮片、不打包.结果 8例甲皮瓣、筋膜瓣及植皮创面全部存活,对足部血供无影响.术后随访时间为3～18个月,修复后的趾保留正常长度,外形良好,植皮区无挛缩,恢复保护性感觉,趾屈伸活动及下肢行走正常.结论 足背动脉逆行岛状筋膜瓣切取简单,便于旋转,血供丰富,且保留了趾的长度,是修复甲皮瓣切取后遗留创面理想的修复方法.

Abstract：

Objective To report the method and clinical outcomes of covering big toe defects after wrap-around flap transfer with dorsalis pedis artery reversed fascial island flap combined with skin graft. Methods Wrap-around flap transfer was used to reconstruct degloved thumbs in 8 cases,which left soft tissue defects of the big toe ranging from 2.5 cm×4.9 cm to 3.5 cm×6.8 cm. The reverse fascial island flap pedicled by the dorsalis pedis artery was designed at the anterior ankle with the plantar perforator as pivot point and the surface projection of dorsal pedis artery as axis. The fascia around the dorsalis pedis artery was included in the flap. Proximal branches of the dorsalis pedis artery were ligated and the flap was lifted and rotated to cover the big toe defect. Full-thickness skin was grafted on top of the fascial flap. Results All flaps and skin grafts survived. Blood supply of the foot was not compromised. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 3 to 18 months. The length of the donor big toes was preserved. The contour of toes repaired by flaps was good. There was no contracture of skin grafts. Protective sensation was restored. Walking and motion of the toes was normal. Conclusion Dorsalis pedis artery reversed fascial island flap is easy to harvest and rotate. It has rich blood supply. Transfer of this flap can preserve the length and contour of the big toe and therefore is an ideal method to cover donor site defects left by wrap-around flap harvest.     

Sural artery flap: a dependable solution in lower leg and foot soft tissue reconstruction

For a variety of reasons, mainly anatomical, the skin and soft tissue defects in the lower leg and foot remain a challenging problem for reconstructive surgeons. Simple skin grafts, local random flaps, cross leg flaps, microvascular flaps, etc., have been used to tackle this difficult problem. Although to date, probably the most popular flaps are the fasciocutaneous flaps based on one of the three major vessels of the leg. We have used a fasciocutaneous flap based on sural artery, accompanying the sural nerve to cover moderate-sized defects in 12 cases. This eliminates the sacrifice of major vessels, and the procedure is easy, quick, and dependable.