OBJECTIVETo develop a new experimental animal model of different a single perforating vessel as its pedicle, and to investigate this vessel can captures how many adjacent angiosomes in different directions.

METHODSThirty-six Sprague-Dawly rats of both sexes were used. The rats were divided into group A, group B and group C. Group A: the unilateral deep circumflex iliac perforator artery- based flap. Group B: the unilateral posterior intercostal perforator artery-based flap. Group C: the unilateral lateral thoracic perforator artery-based flap. An extended dorsal perforator flap measuring up to 13 cm x 6 cm was designed in 36 rats to assess the viability of the flap. The upper margin was located at the level of the tip of the scapula and the lower margin at a level 1 cm below the iliac crest. All flaps were observed for 7 days postoperatively, 72 hours after flap elevation, observe flap dyeing conditions through the vivo fluorescein injection, the surviving flap area was calculated as a percentage of total flap dimensions and the angiosome's structure of the flap was displayed by radiopaque microangiography.

RESULTSNo fluorescence was visible in the distal flap of groups A and C, the whole flap show bright fluorescence in group B. Survival rate of C, A, B were improved in order. Statistic difference is significant (P < 0.01) between group and group. In group A, lead oxide-gelatin angiography shows the cephalic flap necrosis occurred in the bilateral lateral thoracic territories, and the vascular architecture partly disappeared in the necrotic area. In group B, the vascular architecture of flap is unbroken. In group C, the caudal flap necrosis occurred in the bilateral deep circumflex iliac perforator artery territories, and the vascular architecture partly disappeared and disordered in the necrotic area.

CONCLUSIONSThe perforator flap is based centrally on a single perforator, this vessel can capture multiple the second vascular territory. In a direction, the longest distance that the blood supply can reach is the point of the third perforator vessel puncture into skin, which can provide certain theoretical guidance for designing of perforator flap.

Angiography ; Animals ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical application of flow-through deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps for reconstruction of large defects at the extremities.

METHODSThe deep inferior and superior epigastric arteries were designed as the axial vessel and the arterial supply to the flap was the paraumbilical perforator artery. Free deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps were harvested in flow- through manners to reconstruct associated arterial defect in the wound. The sensation assessment,Enneking score,and questionnaire of the flap aesthetic were all performed during follow-up period.

RESULTSFrom December 2011 to September 2012, 5 patients with large defects at extremities were treated. The deep inferior and superior epigastric arteries were designed as the axial vessel and the arterial supply to the flap was the paraumbilical perforator artery. The wound defects ranged form 11 cm x 5 cm to 30 cm x 11 cm. And the flap size ranged from 13 cm x7 cm to 33 cm x 13 cm. All flaps survived completely. The recipient arteries were all bypassed well documented by color Doppler examinations. All cases had 12-24 months' follow-up period. The flaps had good appearance and high aesthetic satisfactory(100%). 12 months after operations, sensation assessment were all S3+, and the Enneking score ratios were 82%-95% ,with 87.2% in average.

CONCLUSIONSFlow-through deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are reliable and effective for reconstruction of large defects at the extremities with maintenance of the vascular status of the extremities. The flaps can also be designed in transverse or oblique mode for clinical application.

Aged ; Arteries ; Epigastric Arteries ; Esthetics ; Extremities ; blood supply ; surgery ; Humans ; Leg Injuries ; surgery ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures

OBJECTIVETo offer both the accurate three-dimensional anatomical information and algorithmic morphology of perforators in the lower leg for perforator flaps design.

METHODSThe cadaver was injected with a modified lead oxide-gelatin mixture. Radiography was first performed and the images were analyzed using the software Photoshop and Scion Image. Then spiral CT scan was also performed and 3-dimensional images were reconstructed with MIMICS 10.01 software.

RESULTSThere are (27 +/- 4) perforators whose outer diameter > or = 0.5 mm ( average, 0.8 +/- 0.2 mm). The average pedicle length within the superficial fascia is (37.3 +/- 18.6) mm. The average supplied area of each perforator is (49.5 +/- 25.5) cm2. The three-dimensional model displayed accurate morphology structure and three-dimensional distribution of the perforator-to- perforator and perforator-to-source artery.

CONCLUSIONSThe 3D reconstruction model can clearly show the geometric, local details and three-dimensional distribution. It is a considerable method for the study of morphological characteristics of the individual perforators in human calf and preoperative planning of the perforator flap.

Arteries ; Cadaver ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Leg ; blood supply ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of surgical delay procedure on the survival of perforator flap with three angiosomes in rat, and to explore its possible mechanism.

METHODSThe flap model was a perforator flap with three angiosomes which located on the right dorsal side of a rat based on the right deep circumflex iliac vessel. The two connection areas between the three angiosomes were successively named choke zone (CZ) 1 and CZ 2 beginning from the pedicle to the remote area. A total of 110 SD rats were divided into routine flap group (RF, n = 40), delay only group (DO, n = 30), and delay flap group (DF, n =40) according to the random number table. (1) In group RF, 30 rats were selected according to the random number table, and flap surgery was performed directly. Six rats were sacrificed on post operation day (POD) 0, 1, 2, 3, 7 respectively to collect the full-thickness skin samples at both CZs for HE staining to measure the vascular density and diameter. The rest 10 rats underwent flap surgery immediately after a catheter was successfully implanted into their external jugular vein. A volume of 1.5 mL sodium fluorescein solution (100 g/L) was injected to the 10 rats on POD 0 (5 rats) or POD 1 (5 rats) each time with a 2-day interval to learn the change in flap circulation. Each rat was injected for 4 times. The flap survival rate of the 10 rats was calculated on POD 7, and the configuration and distribution of the vessels in the flap were observed through angiography with the improved perfusion method of lead oxide-gelatin. (2) In group DO, the right thoracodorsal perforators of all the rats were surgically ligated through a small skin incision, and 6 rats were sacrificed on POD 0, 1, 2, 3, 7 respectively. The skin samples of each rat at the same area as in group RF were harvested to measure the vascular density and diameter. (3) In group DF, rats were treated with ligation surgery as in group DO, and then they were assigned and treated as in group RF on POD 7 with corresponding indexes detected later. Data were processed with group t test, analysis of variance with factorial design, and SNK test.

RESULTS(1) Significant differences of vascular density at both CZ 1 and CZ 2 were found on POD 7 among the three groups ( with F values respectively 2. 69 and 2. 76, P values below 0.05). The vascular density values of CZ 1 and CZ 2 of rats in group DF were (29 ± 7) and (31 ± 8) per mm on POD 7, which were significantly higher than those of group RF [(23 ± 5) and (23 ± 3) per mm2, with q values respectively 5.67 and 6.01, P values below 0.05] and those within group DF on POD 0 (with q values respectively 6.42 and 7. 14, P values below 0. 05). On POD 3 and 7, the vascular diameter values of CZ 1 of rats in groups RF and DF were significantly higher than those of group DO (with q values from 8. 15 to 11.13, P values below 0.05). The vascular diameter values of CZ 2 of rats in group DF onPOD 0, 1, 2, 3,7 [(65 ± 8), (63 ± 13), (69 ± 9), (67 ± 8), (64 ± 13) 230m] and in group DO on POD 3 and 7 were significantly higher than those in group RF [respectively (46 ± 10) , (40 ± 9), (43 ± 13), (46 ± 12), (47 ± 11) µm on POD 0, 1,2, 3, 7 ] at corresponding time point (withqval- ues from 7.29 to 10.79, P values below 0.05). The difference in vascular diameter between CZ 1 and CZ 2 was statistically significant in groups RF and DO on POD 3 and 7, and in group DF on POD 0, 1 , and 2 (with q values from 5.32 to 9.56, P values below 0.05). Compared with that on POD 0 within each group, the vascular diameter of CZ 1 in groups RF and DF and that of CZ 2 in group DO increased significantly on POD 3 or 7 (with q values from 6.12 to 8.13, P values below 0.05). (2) In groups DF and RF, blood from the pedicle ran through CZ 1 and covered the dynamic territory successfully within POD 7. On POD 0, the blood within all flaps was blocked for about 3 min after going through CZ 1 at 1 cm distal from CZ 2 in group DF and around CZ 2 in group RF. (3) Flap survival rate of rats in group DF was (95 ± 12) % , which was statistically higher than that of group RF [(80 241 9) % , t = 2.91, P <0.01]. All the partial flap necrosis occurred in potential territory. (4) Compared with the vessels in the left dorsal side without surgery, the vessels of CZ 1 in group RF were dilated obviously, and the boundary between vascular trees became indistinct, but the vessels in CZ 2 changed slightly; the vessels in both CZs in group DF were dilated dramatically.

CONCLUSIONSThe delay method could enhance the survival of potential territory in perforator flap with three angiosomes, and it acted mainly by dilating the choke vessels in CZ 2 before flap surgery.

Angiography ; Animals ; Graft Survival ; physiology ; Male ; Necrosis ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; physiology ; Rats ; Skin ; blood supply ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; physiology ; Time Factors

OBJECTIVETo discuss clinical results of the lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap for the treatment of scar contracture of popliteal fossa.

METHODSForm January 1999 to December 2011, 11 patients with scar contraction of popliteal fossa were treated with the lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap. Among the patients, 7 patients were male and 4 patients were female,ranging in age from 24 to 58 years old,with an average of 33 years old. The operation time ranged from 3 months to 1 year after trauma. Eight patients had injuries in the right side and 3 patients had the injuries in the left. Five patients had the injuries caused by traffic,3 patients had the injuries caused by hot compression and other 3 patients suffered from burns. The flap area ranged from 7.0 cm x 4.0 cm to 20.0 cm x 8.0 cm.

RESULTSAll the flaps survived. Three patients had epidermis necrosis. After 5 months to 2 years follow-up period,the knee function recovered,the flap shape was favorable and the skin firmness was moderated.

CONCLUSIONThe lateral superior genicular artery perforator iliotibial band flap is a practical, simple and an ideal donor in the reconstruction of popliteal fossa scar contracture.

Adult ; Cicatrix ; surgery ; Contracture ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of free and pedicled thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps for repairing skin and soft tissue defects in limbs, neck, axillary and shoulder.

METHODSFrom October 2009 to Auguest 2011, 16 TDAP flaps were used to repair skin and tissue defects. Among them, five ipsilateral pedicled flaps were used to repair wounds in neck, axillary and shoulder. 11 free TDAP flaps were used to repair the wounds with bone or tendon exposure. In 12 cases, the flaps were pedicled with thoracodorsal artery and vein-lateral branches-perforators, in 4 cases, pedicled with thoracodorsal artery and vein-serratus anterior muscular branches-perforators. The deep fascia, the latissimus dorsi and thoracodorsal nerve were not included in all flaps. The flaps size ranged from 10 cm x 5 cm to 26 cm x 10 cm.

RESULTSAll 16 flaps survived completely with primary healing both at donor site and recipent area. After a follow-up of 3 to 24 months, all flaps gained good texture and appearance. Only linear scar was left at donor area. The shoulder could move freely.

CONCLUSIONSTDAP flap has good texture, long vascular pedicle,and reliable blood supply, leaving less morbidity at donor site. The latissimus dorsi and thoracodorsal nerve are also preserved. The pedicled TDAP flap is an ideal flap for repairing the ipsilateral skin and soft tissue defects of the neck, shoulder, axillary. The free TDAP flap is suited for repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the extremities.

Arteries ; Axilla ; Humans ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Perforator Flap ; transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; blood supply ; transplantation ; Thoracic Wall ; Wound Healing ; Wounds and Injuries ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the applied anatomy of the proximal posterior interrosseous artery perforator flap (PIAP) and report the clinical results of repairing the soft tissue defects in hands.

METHODSBetween September 2007 and January 2011, 21 patients with 24 soft tissue defects in hands were repaired with the free proximal PIAP flap transplantation. The size of the flaps ranged from 2.0 cm x 1.5cm to 7cm x 5cm. The longest length of these flaps was 9 cm. 9 flaps were dissected with one additional superficial vein to anastomose with the superficial vein at the recipient sites.

RESULTS19 flaps survived completely. Bubbles and violet color happened in 4 flaps which survived finally after partial suture removal. Flap necrosis occurred in one flap. The clinical results were satisfactory after 6-25 months of following-up, and the scars at the donor sites were not obvious.

CONCLUSIONSThe free PIAP flaps have constant, reliable blood supply, and good texture. It is a good option for repairing soft-tissue defects in the hands.

Forearm ; Graft Survival ; Hand Injuries ; surgery ; Humans ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of facial artery perforator flap for the soft tissue defects at nose, lip and cheek.

METHODSThe facial artery perforator adjacent to the defect was identified by Doppler ultrasonography. The perforator flap was designed according to the defect location, size and shape. The subcutaneous tissue around the perforator was kept as much as possible to protect the venous drainage.

RESULTSFrom Oct. 2012 to Oct.2013, 26 cases were treated with facial artery perforator flaps, with 9 cases of nasal defects, 10 cases of lip defects and 7 cases of buccal defects. The defects size ranged from 1.5 cm x 2.0 cm to 3.0 cm x 3.0 cm and the flaps size ranged from 2.0 cm x 2.5 cm to 3.5 cm x 3. 5 cm. Superficial necrosis(3mm in width) happened at the end of one flap. All the other 25 flaps survived completely. 16 cases were followed up for 3 months to 2 years with no relapse and satisfactory cosmetic and functional results were achieved.

CONCLUSIONSBoth cosmetic and functional effect can be achieved with facial artery perforator flap for defects at nose, lip and cheek.

Arteries ; Cheek ; surgery ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Lip ; surgery ; Nose ; surgery ; Perforator Flap ; blood supply ; transplantation ; Rhinoplasty ; methods

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2020 to January 2021, 13 patients with skin and soft tissue defects of the hallux who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Ruihua Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, including 12 males and 1 female, aged 26 to 53 years. Before operation, the perforating point of the superficial peroneal artery perforator was located by color Doppler ultrasound on the calf on the same side of the affected hallux and marked on the body surface. The operation was performed under spinal anesthesia combined with continuous epidural anesthesia. The area of skin and soft tissue defect after debridement was 4.5 cm×2.5 cm to 12.0 cm×3.0 cm. According to the size and shape of the wound, the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap was designed with the line between the fibular head and the lateral malleolus tip parallel shifting 2 cm to the tibial side as the flap axis line, and the perforating point of the perforator near the midpoint of the axis line as the center. The cut area of the flap was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm to 13.0 cm×4.0 cm, and part of the deep fascia was cut when the pedicle was freed. The donor site wound was sutured directly. During the operation, the number and type of the perforator and the cutting time of the flap were recorded, and the length of the perforator pedicle and diameter of the perforator were measured. The survival of the flap, the healing time and the healing condition of the donor and recipient areas were recorded after operation. The color, texture, elasticity of the flap, standing and walking functions of patients, the recovery of the donor area, and the patients' satisfaction with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas were recorded during the follow-up. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated by the British Medical Association sensory function evaluation standard, the function of the affected limb was evaluated by the American Society of Foot and Ankle Surgery scoring system, and the excellent and good rate of the function of the affected limb was calculated. Results: A total of 13 perforators of the superficial peroneal artery were detected during the operation, all of which were septocutaneous perforators, and the perforator diameter was 0.3 to 0.5 mm. The vascular pedicle length was 2 to 5 cm. Flap cutting time was 11 to 26 minutes. The flaps of 13 patients all survived completely. The wounds at the donor and recipient sites healed well 9 to 18 days after operation. During follow-up of 6 to 14 months, the flaps had good color, texture, and elasticity; 11 patients had no obvious bloated appearance, and the other 2 patients underwent flap thinning and plastic surgery in the second stage because of their bloated appearance; all the patients returned to normal walking and standing functions. There was only one linear scar left in the donor site, with no obvious scar hyperplasia or hyperpigmentation. All the patients were satisfied with the recovery of the donor and recipient areas. At the last follow-up, the sensation of the flap was evaluated as grade S₃ in 2 cases, grade S₂ in 9 cases, and grade S₁ in 2 cases; the function of the affected limb was evaluated as excellent in 7 cases and good in 6 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusions: The free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap has relatively constant vascular anatomy, which is thin and wear-resistant, with less damage to the donor site after flap excision, and can preserve the shape and function of the hallux to the greatest extent. It is an effective method for repairing skin and soft tissue defect of the hallux.
Cicatrix ; Female ; Hallux/surgery* ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery* ; Tibial Arteries/surgery*

On May 14, 2020, a 37 year old female patient with unilateral breast cancer was admitted to Hunan Cancer Hospital. She underwent modified radical mastectomy for right breast cancer and free transplantation of bilateral superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (weighed 305 g) for breast reconstruction. During the operation, the right inferior epigastric vascular pedicle was anastomosed with the proximal end of the right internal mammary vessel, and the left inferior epigastric vascular pedicle was anastomosed with the distal end of the right internal mammary vessel; the blood flow of the flap was good; the wound in the donor site of the abdominal flap was closed directly. The operation lasted for 9 hours. In the first 48 hours post operation, the flap showed mild elevation in perfusion over drainage, but no obvious edema or blister was observed, flap temperature was consistent with the surrounding skin, and the drainage volume out of drainage tube was only 40 mL. The blood supply of the flap was completely restored to normal 3 days post operation, the flap survived well, the donor site incision had no obvious tension, and the healing was smooth. After 2 months of follow-up, the donor site incision of abdomen healed completely, only linear scar was left, and the reconstructed breast had a natural appearance; the patient planned to perform further nipple reconstruction and contralateral breast mastopexy. This case suggests that autologous breast reconstruction can be performed using bilateral superficial inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps under certain circumstances to minimize donor site injury to the greatest extent.
Female ; Humans ; Adult ; Epigastric Arteries/surgery* ; Perforator Flap/blood supply* ; Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Mastectomy ; Unilateral Breast Neoplasms/surgery* ; Mammaplasty