1.Gene Expression Alteration by Non-thermal Plasma-Activated Media Treatment in Radioresistant Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sicong ZHENG ; Yudan PIAO ; Seung-Nam JUNG ; Chan OH ; Mi Ae LIM ; QuocKhanh NGUYEN ; Shan SHEN ; Se-Hee PARK ; Shengzhe CUI ; Shuyu PIAO ; Young Il KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Jae Won CHANG ; Yujuan SHAN ; Lihua LIU ; Bon Seok KOO
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2025;18(1):73-87
Objectives:
. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits high recurrence rates, particularly in cases of radioresistant HNSCC (RR-HNSCC). Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy effectively suppresses the progression of HNSCC. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of NTP therapy in treating RR-HNSCC are not well understood. In this study, we explored the regulatory role of NTP in the RR-HNSCC signaling pathway and identified its signature genes.
Methods:
. After constructing two RR-HNSCC cell lines, we prepared cell lysates from cells treated or not treated with NTP-activated media (NTPAM) and performed RNA sequencing to determine their mRNA expression profiles. Based on the RNA sequencing results, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by a bioinformatics analysis to identify candidate molecules potentially associated with NTPAM therapy for RR-HNSCC.
Results:
. NTPAM reduced RR-HNSCC cell viability in vitro. RNA sequencing results indicated that NTPAM treatment activated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway and induced ferroptosis in RR-HNSCC cell lines. Among the 1,924 genes correlated with radiation treatment, eight showed statistical significance in both the cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Only five genes—ABCC3, DUSP16, PDGFB, RAF1, and THBS1—showed consistent results between the NTPAM data sequencing and TCGA data. LASSO regression analysis revealed that five genes were associated with cancer prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.26. In RR-HNSCC cells, NTPAM affected DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 as activated markers within 6 hours, and this effect persisted for 12 hours. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that these three DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor pathways.
Conclusion
. NTPAM therapy exerts cytotoxic effects in RR-HNSCC cell lines by inducing specific ROS-mediated ferroptosis. DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 were identified as crucial targets for reversing the radiation resistance induced by NTPAM therapy, providing insights into the mechanisms and clinical applications of NTPAM treatment in RR-HNSCC.
2.Gene Expression Alteration by Non-thermal Plasma-Activated Media Treatment in Radioresistant Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sicong ZHENG ; Yudan PIAO ; Seung-Nam JUNG ; Chan OH ; Mi Ae LIM ; QuocKhanh NGUYEN ; Shan SHEN ; Se-Hee PARK ; Shengzhe CUI ; Shuyu PIAO ; Young Il KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Jae Won CHANG ; Yujuan SHAN ; Lihua LIU ; Bon Seok KOO
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2025;18(1):73-87
Objectives:
. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits high recurrence rates, particularly in cases of radioresistant HNSCC (RR-HNSCC). Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy effectively suppresses the progression of HNSCC. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of NTP therapy in treating RR-HNSCC are not well understood. In this study, we explored the regulatory role of NTP in the RR-HNSCC signaling pathway and identified its signature genes.
Methods:
. After constructing two RR-HNSCC cell lines, we prepared cell lysates from cells treated or not treated with NTP-activated media (NTPAM) and performed RNA sequencing to determine their mRNA expression profiles. Based on the RNA sequencing results, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by a bioinformatics analysis to identify candidate molecules potentially associated with NTPAM therapy for RR-HNSCC.
Results:
. NTPAM reduced RR-HNSCC cell viability in vitro. RNA sequencing results indicated that NTPAM treatment activated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway and induced ferroptosis in RR-HNSCC cell lines. Among the 1,924 genes correlated with radiation treatment, eight showed statistical significance in both the cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Only five genes—ABCC3, DUSP16, PDGFB, RAF1, and THBS1—showed consistent results between the NTPAM data sequencing and TCGA data. LASSO regression analysis revealed that five genes were associated with cancer prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.26. In RR-HNSCC cells, NTPAM affected DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 as activated markers within 6 hours, and this effect persisted for 12 hours. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that these three DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor pathways.
Conclusion
. NTPAM therapy exerts cytotoxic effects in RR-HNSCC cell lines by inducing specific ROS-mediated ferroptosis. DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 were identified as crucial targets for reversing the radiation resistance induced by NTPAM therapy, providing insights into the mechanisms and clinical applications of NTPAM treatment in RR-HNSCC.
3.Gene Expression Alteration by Non-thermal Plasma-Activated Media Treatment in Radioresistant Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sicong ZHENG ; Yudan PIAO ; Seung-Nam JUNG ; Chan OH ; Mi Ae LIM ; QuocKhanh NGUYEN ; Shan SHEN ; Se-Hee PARK ; Shengzhe CUI ; Shuyu PIAO ; Young Il KIM ; Ji Won KIM ; Ho-Ryun WON ; Jae Won CHANG ; Yujuan SHAN ; Lihua LIU ; Bon Seok KOO
Clinical and Experimental Otorhinolaryngology 2025;18(1):73-87
Objectives:
. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) exhibits high recurrence rates, particularly in cases of radioresistant HNSCC (RR-HNSCC). Non-thermal plasma (NTP) therapy effectively suppresses the progression of HNSCC. However, the therapeutic mechanisms of NTP therapy in treating RR-HNSCC are not well understood. In this study, we explored the regulatory role of NTP in the RR-HNSCC signaling pathway and identified its signature genes.
Methods:
. After constructing two RR-HNSCC cell lines, we prepared cell lysates from cells treated or not treated with NTP-activated media (NTPAM) and performed RNA sequencing to determine their mRNA expression profiles. Based on the RNA sequencing results, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by a bioinformatics analysis to identify candidate molecules potentially associated with NTPAM therapy for RR-HNSCC.
Results:
. NTPAM reduced RR-HNSCC cell viability in vitro. RNA sequencing results indicated that NTPAM treatment activated the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway and induced ferroptosis in RR-HNSCC cell lines. Among the 1,924 genes correlated with radiation treatment, eight showed statistical significance in both the cell lines and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Only five genes—ABCC3, DUSP16, PDGFB, RAF1, and THBS1—showed consistent results between the NTPAM data sequencing and TCGA data. LASSO regression analysis revealed that five genes were associated with cancer prognosis, with a hazard ratio of 2.26. In RR-HNSCC cells, NTPAM affected DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 as activated markers within 6 hours, and this effect persisted for 12 hours. Furthermore, enrichment analysis indicated that these three DEGs were associated with the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor pathways.
Conclusion
. NTPAM therapy exerts cytotoxic effects in RR-HNSCC cell lines by inducing specific ROS-mediated ferroptosis. DUSP16, PDGFB, and THBS1 were identified as crucial targets for reversing the radiation resistance induced by NTPAM therapy, providing insights into the mechanisms and clinical applications of NTPAM treatment in RR-HNSCC.
4.Questionnaire Survey on General Medicine and Pre-hospital First Aid Knowledge Among People in Ludian County,Yunnan Province
Weiyu ZHOU ; Dexing YANG ; Qiang WANG ; Zhenfang WANG ; Kai FU ; Jiefu TANG ; Shengzhe LIU ; Ying LUAN ; Min LI ; Rong LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2024;45(3):118-126
Objective To explore the public's cognition and attitude towards general medicine,general practitioners,and pre-hospital first-aid knowledge in Ludian County,Yunnan Province,to find out the training and learning methods that are more acceptable to the public for this kind of related knowledge,and to propose targeted solutions.Methods A complete random sampling survey was conducted among the nucleic acid collection office at the gate of the vegetable market from October 15,2022,to December 30,2022,and the outpatient clinic of Wenping Street Health Center from January 1,2023,to February 28,2023,by using electronic questionnaire and paper questionnaire.Results Nearly 50%of the people in Ludian County of Yunnan Province lack the knowledge of general medicine and pre-hospital emergency care,especially the knowledge of electrical defibrillation.People with higher education and the medical profession have a higher understanding of general medicine,and people with a higher understanding of general medicine are more willing to participate in pre-hospital emergency care.The average Ridit value is:very familiar with general medicine(0.774)>Knowledge of some general practices(0.565)>Never heard of general practice(0.400).The higher education level and the more comprehensive understanding of general medicine had a positive impact on participation in pre-hospital emergency care,with B values of 0.624 and 0.619,OR 95%CI of 1.867(1.544~2.257)and 1.857(1.298~2.657),respectively.Taking medical staff as a reference,the B value of medical students was = 0.942,P = 0.234,the difference was not significant,and the B value of non-medical professional population was all less than 0,the effect is negative.In addition,most people have a positive attitude towards learning pre-hospital first aid,and more than 70%of people are willing to learn and train related knowledge of pre-hospital first aid.Conclusions People in urban areas of Ludian County,Yunnan Province have poor understanding of general practice,low recognition of general practitioners,low demand for general practitioners,and lack of awareness of the importance of pre-hospital emergency treatment.Because of the cognitive differences among different groups,it is necessary to conduct specific training for different groups.
5.Curative effects of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying multiple perforators in repairing hand and foot wounds
Tao ZHANG ; Junnan CHENG ; Lin YANG ; Yongtao HUANG ; Qinfeng GAO ; Fengwen SUN ; Zhijin LIU ; Shengzhe LIU ; Chengpeng YANG ; Yang CAO ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2023;39(3):234-240
Objective:To investigate the curative effects of the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying two and more homologous perforators in repairing hand and foot wounds.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January to September 2021, 23 patients with hand and foot wounds combined with bone or tendon exposure who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 16 males and 7 females, aged 23 to 68 years. After expansion of the wound, the wound area was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 11.0 cm×4.0 cm. All the wounds were repaired with the superficial peroneal artery perforator flap carrying two and more homologous perforators. The area of the resected flap was 4.0 cm×2.0 cm to 12.0 cm×5.0 cm. All the wounds in donor areas were sutured directly. During the operation, the resection of the flap, the number and caliber of carried perforators, the caliber of superficial peroneal artery, the length of vascular pedicle, and the number of accompanying veins of the superficial peroneal artery were recorded. The survival of the flap, the occurrence of complications, and the wound healing in the donor area were observed after operation. The recovery of the donor and recipient areas was followed up. At the last follow-up, the comprehensive evaluation scale was used to evaluate the curative effect of flap repair, and the sensory grading scale was used to evaluate the sensory function of the recipient area.Results:Totally 24 flaps were successfully resected in surgical operations, carrying 56 superficial peroneal artery perforators in total, with the caliber of perforators of 0.20-0.70 mm. The calibers of all perforators carried by 7 flaps were smaller than 0.40 mm. Nineteen flaps carried 2 perforators each, 3 flaps carried 3 perforators each, 1 flap carried 4 perforators, and 1 flap carried 5 perforators. During the operation, the superficial peroneal artery was resected with a caliber of 0.40-1.50 mm, the vascular pedicle was 2-6 cm in length, and each superficial peroneal artery had two accompanying veins. After operation, all the flaps survived smoothly, no vascular crisis or distal necrosis occurred, and the wounds healed well in the donor area. During the follow-up of 6 to 10 months after operation, the color, texture, and elasticity of the recipient area were good. Among them, 6 recipient areas were thinned and reshaped because of bloating. There was only linear scar and no obvious scar hyperplasia or pigmentation in the donor area, without significant change in sensory or motor function. At the last follow-up, the curative effect evaluation of flap repair was excellent in 22 flaps and good in 2 flaps, and the sensory function evaluation of the recipient area was grade S 3 in 1 area and grade S 2 in 23 areas. Conclusions:The superficial peroneal artery perforator flap with two and more homologous perforators has sufficient and reliable blood supply and is effective in repairing hand and foot wounds. It provides an ideal solution for the clinical problem in which the original operation scheme is abandoned due to the existence of only multiple slender perforators of caliber smaller than 0.40 mm, and only a single perforator in the operative field that cannot satisfy the needs of the flap blood supply and recipient area.
6.Effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand
Heyun CHENG ; Jihui JU ; Qiang ZHAO ; Shengzhe LIU ; Guangliang ZHANG ; Tao ZHANG ; Benyuan WANG ; Quanwei GUO ; Shuang LIU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2023;39(6):546-551
Objective:To investigate the surgical methods and clinical effects of free superficial peroneal artery perforator flap in repairing small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to December 2021, 12 patients (19 wounds) with small and medium-sized thermal crush injury in the hand who met the inclusion criteria were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital, including 5 males and 7 females, aged from 30 to 54 years. The area of the wound was from 2.5 cm×2.0 cm to 14.0 cm×3.5 cm, and all the wounds were repaired by using free superficial peroneal artery perforator flaps from lower leg on one side (including single flap, multiple flaps, and multiple flaps with one pedicle resected from the same donor site). The area of the flap was from 3.5 cm×3.0 cm to 16.0 cm×4.0 cm. The wound in the donor site was sutured directly. The vascular crisis and survival of the flap were observed after operation. The texture, appearance, color, hyperpigmentation, sensation, and two-point discrimination of the flap repaired area were followed up, as well as the hyperplasia of scar and pain condition in the donor and recipient sites. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated by the comprehensive evaluation scale, and the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were evaluated by the total active movement systematic evaluation method recommended by American Academy for Surgery of Hand.Results:One flap developed arterial crisis on the first day after operation but survived after timely exploration. The other 18 flaps survived successfully after operation. Follow-up of 4 to 24 months after operation showed good texture and appearance in the flap repaired area; the color of the flap repaired area was similar to that of the normal skin around the recipient site, without pigmentation; the protective sensation was restored in all cases, but there was no two-point discrimination; there was no obvious hypertrophic scarring or pain in the donor or recipient site. At the last follow-up, the curative effect of flap repair was evaluated with 3 flaps being excellent and 16 flaps being good; the extension and flexion functions of the reserved digital joint were also assessed, being excellent in 8 fingers, good in 9 fingers, and fair in 2 fingers.Conclusions:The blood supply of superficial peroneal artery perforator flap is sufficient and reliable, and multiple flaps of this type or multiple flaps with one pedicle can be resected from one donor site. The use of this flap to repair small and medium-sized thermal crush injury wounds in the hand results in minimal damage to the donor area, and good postoperative appearance and texture of the flap.
7.Clinical effects of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply source of medial femoral perforator in repairing the wounds on extremities
Chengpeng YANG ; Linfeng TANG ; Zhijin LIU ; Shengzhe LIU ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG ; Tao ZHANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Yongtao HUANG ; Qinfeng GAO ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2023;39(9):842-848
Objective:To investigate clinical effects of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply source of medial femoral perforator in repairing the wounds on extremities.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From October 2018 to June 2021, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital admitted 12 patients (11 males and 1 female, aged 24-64 years) who met the inclusion criteria, and did not have the lateral circumflex femoral artery during anterolateral thigh flap resection, or changed to medial femoral perforator as a source of blood supply due to small perforator to repair the wound with flap transplantation. The wounds were on the upper limbs in 7 cases and on the lower limbs in 5 cases. The wound area after debridement was 8.0 cm×5.0 cm-24.0 cm×6.5 cm, and the applied flap area was 9 cm×6 cm-25 cm×7 cm. During transplantation, the perforating branch or source artery of the flap was anastomosed end to end with the vascular pedicle of the recipient area. Subcutaneous beauty suture was performed on all the donor wounds. After operation, the survival of the flap and vascular crisis were observed; and the wound healing at the donor site was observed. During follow-up, the texture of the flap and complications at the donor site were observed. At the last follow-up, the effect of flap repair was evaluated by using the modified self-made comprehensive efficacy rating table.Results:After operation, all the flaps of patients survived without vascular crisis; the wounds in the donor site healed smoothly. During follow-up of 6 to 26 months, the flaps had good texture; only linear scars remained in the donor area without scar contracture, pain or other discomfort. At the last follow-up, the total score of flap repair effect of 12 patients was 75-95, with an average of 87, of which 5 cases were rated as excellent, 6 cases as good, and 1 case as fair, and the proportion of excellent and good patients was 11/12.Conclusions:The application of anterolateral thigh flap with blood supply from the medial femoral perforator to repair wounds on extremities is an alternative method for the vascular variations such as no descending branch, oblique branch, or small perforator of the lateral circumflex femoral artery during the resection of the anterolateral thigh flap. This operation has the advantages of simple operation, small trauma, and others, which effectively ensures the smooth operation.
8.Application of "ABC" three line perforator locating method for free anterolateral perforator flap of calf
Tao ZHANG ; Lin YANG ; Junnan CHENG ; Shengzhe LIU ; Zhijin LIU ; Yongtao HUANG ; Qinfeng GAO ; Fengwen SUN ; Chengpeng YANG ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Microsurgery 2023;46(1):70-75
Objective:To explore the feasibility of an "ABC" three line perforator locating method in design and harvest of free anterolateral perforator flap of calf.Methods:Between March 2021 and November 2021, 42 patients with 62 wounds on hand and foot were treated in the Department of Hand Surgery, Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital. The "ABC" three line perforator locating method was applied to determine the location and source of perforating branch before operation and to guide the design and harvest of flap during operation in wound reconstruction. Among the 42 patients, 24 had the injury of single digit, 7 had the injuries with 2 digits, 4 with 3 digits, 1 with 4 digits, 1 of the first web, 1 in the wrist, 2 of the great toe, 1 of second toe and 1 in dorsal foot. The sizes of soft tissue defect were 1.5 cm×2.0 cm-3.0 cm×14.0 cm. The sizes of the flaps were 2.0 cm×2.5 cm-3.5 cm×15.0 cm. All donor sites were sutured directly. In the follow-up, sensations of flaps were evaluated following the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council(BMRC), and the recovery of the donor and recipient sites was evaluated by the flap comprehensive evaluation scale. Regular follow-up were scheduled at outpatient clinic.Results:A total of 162 perforators were located before operation. There were 95 perforating branches being explored in the operation, of which 5 patients had 1 extra perforating branch than that located before surgery. Seventy-six perforating branches were found consistent with preoperative localisation, with a coincidence rate of 84.4%(76/90). Sixty-four perforating branches were found consistent with the preoperative source with an accuracy rate of 84.2%(64/76). All the 62 flaps survived without a vascular compromise. Follow-up lasted for 6-10(mean 7.1) months. The colour and texture of the flaps were excellent. The flaps were thin and wear-resistant. The sensory function of the flaps was evaluated at S 1-S 3 by BMRC. Comprehensive evaluation scale of flap was excellent in 38 patients and good in 4 patients. Conclusion:"ABC" three line perforator locating method in design of free anterolateral calf flap is a feasible and an ideal auxiliary method in surgical practice. It combines anatomical knowledge, clinical experience and Doppler ultrasound localisation as well as accurately guides the location and source prediction of perforator before surgery.
9.A Study on Prognostic Value of Cellular Immunological Indicators in Omicron Variant Infected Elderly Severe Patients
Jiefu TANG ; Dexing YANG ; Shengzhe LIU ; Qiang WANG ; Kai FU ; Zhenfang WANG ; Ying LUAN ; Min LI ; Rong LIU
Journal of Kunming Medical University 2023;44(12):87-94
Objective To investigate the characteristics of clinical cellular immunity and its relationship with prognosis in elderly patients with severe infection caused by Omicron variant.Methods The clinical data of 53 patients with Omicron variant infection admitted to the geriatric Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from December 2022 to February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into 22 survival cases and 31 death cases for comparison between the two groups.Logistic analysis is adopted to define the omicron variants of elderly severe infections prognostic factors and construct the ROC curve.Results Mu-ltivariate logistic analysis revealed that the independent risk factors were elevated IL-6(P = 0.043)and decreased absolute T lymphocyte count(P = 0.011).AUC value of ROC of IL-6,absolute T lymphocyte count and IL-6 combined with absolute T lymphocyte count was 0.818,0.796 and 0.887.Conclusion Elevated IL-6 and decreased absolute T lymphocyte count are independent risk factors for elderly severe patients with Omicron variant infections.
10.Anatomical characteristics and clinical application of anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum
Lin YANG ; Zhijin LIU ; Junnan CHENG ; Qinfeng GAO ; Chengpeng YANG ; Shengzhe LIU ; Tao ZHANG ; Fengwen SUN ; Yongtao HUANG ; Jihui JU
Chinese Journal of Burns 2022;38(12):1133-1139
Objective:To explore the anatomical characteristics of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum and the clinical effect of this flap in repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From December 2020 to April 2021, 59 patients with skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopaedic Hospital met the inclusion criteria, including 46 males and 13 females, aged 20 to 81 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 8 cm×5 cm to 38 cm×20 cm. According to the condition of the wound, the perforators in the anterolateral femoral region on the unaffected side were located by color Doppler ultrasound. The anterolateral thigh perforator flap with the oblique branch of lateral circumflex femoral artery as the source artery was designed, and the wound was repaired by unilateral flap or series combination of bilateral flaps (with the area of unilateral flap ranging from 7 cm×5 cm to 37 cm×11 cm). The wound of the donor site was sutured directly. The following items were recorded, including the number of perforators in the anterolateral femoral region marked before operation, the course characteristics of oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery and its perforators, and the number, origin, and type of perforators observed during operation, the flap repair mode and the flap harvest time. After operation, the survival condition of the flap, the wound healing time in the recipient site, and the suture healing in the donor area were observed, and the recovery of the donor and recipient areas was followed up. At the last follow-up, the sensation function evaluated by sensory rating scale of British Medical Research Association and two-point discrimination of the area transplanted with flap were recorded, and the improved comprehensive curative effect evaluation scale of flap was used to evaluate the repair effect of the flap.Results:A total of 156 perforators were marked in the anterolateral femoral region before operation, and 144 perforators were observed during the operation, of which 98 came from the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the first perforator of the oblique branch was the intermuscular septal perforator. Once formed, most oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum could be divided into the deep branch and the superficial branch at the middle and upper 1/3 junction of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella, the deep branch mainly ran in the muscle of vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis, and rarely developed the skin perforators, while the superficial branch mainly ran in the muscular septum between the rectus femoris and the vastus lateralis, and grew out the perforators to the proximal skin of the anterolateral femoral region. Fifty-six patients were repaired with unilateral flap and 3 patients with bilateral flap in series combination, with the harvesting time of the unilateral flap ranged from 9 to 99 min. Three patients developed arterial crisis within 48 hours after operation and survived after timely exploration; the flap of 1 patient developed necrosis 11 days after operation and was repaired by abdominal split-thickness skin graft; the other flaps survived smoothly. The wound healing time in the recipient area was 10 to 42 days after operation, and the sutures in the donor area healed well. During the follow-up of 6 to 10 months, 8 patients underwent thinning and plastic surgery 6 months after operation because of bloating in the flap transplantation area, while the other patients had a good shape of the flap transplantation area, with no deep tissue infection such as osteomyelitis, with soft texture, good elasticity, no pain, and good blood circulation; all the donor areas were left with linear scars, normal blood circulation in the distal extremities, no limitation of knee joint motion or quadriceps muscle strength. At the last follow-up, the sensation function was restored in the flap transplantation area of the affected limb, including 14 cases of S 1 grade and 45 cases of S 2 grade; there was only one point of two-point discrimination; the curative effect evaluation of flap repair included excellent in 24 cases, good in 35 cases, and general in 3 cases. Conclusions:The anterolateral thigh perforator flap pedicled with oblique branch trunk of lateral circumflex femoral artery in the muscular septum has the advantages of relatively concealed donor area, large cutting width, and simple operation during surgery. It protects the donor area to the greatest extent while repairing skin and soft tissue defects in the extremities, and is a useful supplement to the classic anterolateral thigh perforator flap.

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