1.A CTA-based classification of first plantar metatarsal arteries in thumb reconstruction
Lin XU ; Jia TAN ; Hao QIN ; Yongjun MO ; Ping’ou WEI ; Xiang LUO ; Zhilin CHENG ; Haitao TAN
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2020;43(5):454-458
Objective:To discusses effectiveness of CTA in the classification of first plantar metatarsal artery and its application value in thumb reconstruction.Methods:Thirty-six cases who underwent thumb reconstruction with free second toe or hallucis flap between December, 2015 and December, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these cases, 22 cases were injured by machine stranding, 7 cases by heavy objects, and 7 cases were injured by rolling. Exact first plantar metatarsal arteries of all these cases were evaluated by using CTA preoperatively. And compared with intraoperative findings at the donor sites. Free first or second toe flap for thumb reconstruction were designed preoperatively based on branching pattern of first plantar metatarsal arteries.Results:The origin, course, 3-dimensional (3D) anatomical relationship with surrounding tissues and branching pattern of all these feet first plantar metatarsal arteries of 35 cases (70 feet)were well displayed in CTA images, and 1 case (2 feet) were showed poor vascular continuity and artifacts in CTA (2.78%). According to the branching pattern of first plantar metatarsal arteries, 29 cases (58 feet, 80.56%) were ramifying type, 5 cases (10 feet, 13.88%) were main trunk type, and 1 case (2 feet, 2.78%) were tiny branch type. Preoperative CTA images and intraoperative findings at the donor site of 35 cases were remarkably consistent. According to CTA images, 27 cases underwent thumb reconstruction with hallucis flap, 8 cases underwent thumb reconstruction with second toe, and 1 case of poor vascular continuity and artifacts in CTA underwent thumb reconstruction with hallucis flap eventually. All these cases were followed-up for 6-24 (average 12) months, and all reconstructed thumbs survived. The clinical outcomes of all these reconstructed thumbs were good with satisfactory appearance, sensory recovery, excellent motion. The donor feet of all cases recovered well.Conclusion:High-quality 3D images of first plantar metatarsal arteries could be obtained by CTA, allowing preoperative assessment of blood supply and planning of donor site. Therefore, success rate of reconstructed operation could be improved with low disability rate of donor site.
2.The use of CTA combined augmented reality navigation in free anterolateral thigh perforator flap for tongue reconstruction: 9 cases report
Xiang LUO ; Haitao TAN ; Keqin YANG ; Hanti TAN ; Ping’ou WEI ; Yongjun MO ; Lin XU ; Xuquan LIANG ; Baosheng WEI
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2019;42(4):339-343
To explore the value of CTA combined augmented reality(AR) navigation in tongue re-construction with free anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flaps. Methods From December, 2016 to December, 2018, 9 cases of tongue cancer patients were treated with lingual reconstruction with the free ALTP flap. The domi-nant perforator was selected according to CTA before operation. The origin, course, locations at the level passing through the fascia lata of the perforators and digital flaps were located and marked under the guidance of AR naviga-tion technology. The flaps area were 6 cm×8 cm-8 cm×12 cm, and the donor sites were closed directly. The effect of the AR navigation was explored intraoperatively.The function of reconstructed tongue and donor site were followed-up 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Results All navigation-positioned perforators were confirmed by AR preoperatively. Intraoperative exploration showed that the perforators were accurately located. All flaps survived, and no vascular cri-sis occurred. The donor sites healed primarily with linear scars. The tongue was plump, and the function of voice and swallowing were favorable. Conclusion CTA combined AR navigation has the advantages of accurate location, easy to use and low cost in tongue reconstruction with free ALTP flaps.It is a worthy method to be popularized.