• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제45권4호
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• pp.298-303
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• 2018

Flap thinning is a procedure for making a thick flap thinner. This procedure does more than simply fill in the defected area, and it is better for reconstructing the area both functionally and aesthetically. However, because flap thinning is a rather blind procedure, it may have harmful effects on flap vascularity. Therefore, the vasculature of a flap must be understood before performing flap thinning. This paper analyzes the basic anatomy underlying flap thinning based on the previous anatomic study that categorized flaps into 6 types by their vascular structures. This paper also reviews specific studies of frequently practiced flap procedures (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap, thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, and anterolateral thigh flap) and presents important precautions for flap thinning procedures. Finally, this paper briefly examines the axiality of the subdermal plexus, which needs to be taken into account when performing flap thinning.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권2호
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• pp.153-155
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• 2023

The vascular anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap has been well studied in the planning for autologous breast reconstruction. Preoperative imaging with computed tomography angiography (CTA) provides accurate assessment of this vascular anatomy, which varies widely across patients. Several papers to date have described their encounter with an anomalous "epiperitoneal" or "peritoneo-cutaneous" perforator during flap harvest, a perforator that pierces the posterior rectus sheath from a peritoneal origin, to traverse rectus abdominis and supply the DIEP flap integument. In the course of over 3,000 CTA assessments of the vascular anatomy of the abdominal wall, we have encountered dominant peritoneo-cutaneous perforators in 1% of cases, and smaller perforators seen in many more cases, approaching 5% of cases. With increasing sensitivity of imaging, we also describe a unique case of multiple large bilateral peritoneo-cutaneous perforators, and present these findings in the context of DIEP flap harvest. It is critical to recognize these peritoneo-cutaneous perforators preoperatively to avoid mistaking them for a DIEP during the raising of a DIEP flap. The routine use of preoperative CTA enables the safe identification of individual vascular anatomy, including significant peritoneo-cutaneous perforators.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.112-119
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• 2010

The anterolateral thigh flap is a reliable and versatile flap. It has been extensively used for soft tissue reconstruction because minimal donor site morbidity is attractive feature of this flap. It can be harvested as a cutaneous, fasciocutaneous, muscluocutaneous flap. We can be used to form as desired shape and thickness. But variation of vascular anatomy make difficult for many surgeons. We review of vascular anatomy of the anterolateral thigh to be easier access to surgery. With understanding anatomic variation, it allows you to take advantage of this surgery using little more variable form.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.135-140
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• 2002

It has been known that latissimus dorsi(LD) myocutaneous flap based on thoracodorsal artery is one of most useful method for microreconstructive surgery and the thoracodorsal artery of this flap has constant vascular anatomy. The retrospective study for anatomy of the thoracodorsal arterial system was performed at operative cases. The aim of this study was to document the anatomical variation of this pedicle clinically. 167 LD flaps were carried out from 1983 to 2002 in our clinic. We found unusual 7(4.2%) cases compared to standard textbooks of anatomy. One case was no vascular supply to LD muscle. In 2(1.2%) cases thoracodorsal artery was a typical branch of the subscapular artery but didn't branch to LD muscle, passed to lower serratus anterior muscle, and at this point, supplied vessel to LD muscle and it's vascular diameter was about 1mm diameter. The thoracodorsal artery arose from the axillary artery in 1.8% of cases(3 cases). One case had less than 1mm vascular diameter but a branch of subscapluar artery. It should be emphasized that we must elevate the latissimus dorsi flap after accurate cognition for the anatomy of thoracodorsal artery because the thoracodorsal arterial system is almost reliable but not uniform in rare cases.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권6호
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• pp.529-535
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• 2016

Background The trapezius muscle flap is not usually the first reconstructive option for skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior neck and scalp due to surgeons' unfamiliarity with the surgical anatomy and developments in free tissue transfer techniques. The goals of this study were to describe the clinical use of trapezius flaps in posterior neck and scalp reconstruction, and to investigate the vascular anatomy of trapezius flaps in Asians in order to obtain information facilitating the safe design and elevation of flaps in which most of the muscle is preserved. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 10 patients who underwent trapezius muscle flap for posterior neck and scalp defects. We also performed an anatomical study of 16 flaps harvested from 8 preserved Asian adult cadavers and evaluated the main landmarks relevant for trapezius muscle flap. Results In the anatomical study, the mean vertical height from the inferior angle of the scapula to the point at which the superficial cervical artery penetrated the trapezius was $4.31{\pm}2.14cm$. The mean vertical height of the trapezius muscle flap pivot point was $9.53{\pm}2.08cm$ from the external occipital protuberance. Among the 10 flaps, partial necrosis on the overlaid skin graft occurred in 1 patient and postoperative seroma occurred in another patient. Conclusions Vascular variations in the trapezius muscle flap are uncommon in Asians, but when present, such variations appear to have little impact on harvesting the flap or on its circulation. The trapezius muscle flap is a viable alternative for posterior neck and scalp reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.482-487
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• 2022

In lower abdominal flap representing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap or deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap, superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) exists as superficial and independent venous system from deep system. The superficial venous drainage is dominant despite a dominant deep arterial supply in anterior abdominal wall. As TRAM or DIEP flaps began to be widely used for breast reconstruction, venous congestion issue has been arisen. Many clinical series in regard to venous congestion despite patent microvascular anastomosis site were reported. Venous congestion could be divided in two conditions by the area of venous congestion and each condition is from different anatomical causes. First, if venous congestion was shown in whole flap, it is due to the connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP. Second, if venous congestion is limited in above midline (Hartrampf zone II), it is due to problem in venous midline crossover. In this article, the authors reviewed the role of SIEV in lower abdominal flap based on the various anatomic and clinical studies. The contents are mainly categorized into four main issues; basic anatomy of SIEV, the two cause of venous congestion, connection between SIEV and vena comitantes of DIEP, and midline crossover of SIEV.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제22권2호
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• pp.43-47
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• 2013

Purpose: Un-healing and centrally located defect on back area, it is sometimes a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Although skin grafts are considered as the first choice for reconstruction of large skin defect on the back region, it is not always helpful but vascularized flaps provide a superior functional and aesthetic outcome. The present study was designed to investigate the clinical anatomy of the lumbar artery perforator flap to reconstruct back ulcer. Materials and Methods: Clinical anatomy study was undertaken using computed tomographic angiographic analysis. We identified the courses of lumbar arteries and its perforators, measured pedicle length by layers. The location of the perforator vessel was charted against anatomical landmarks. Results: The pedicle lengths of the third and fourth lumbar artery perforator reached a mean of 27.8 mm and 37.1 mm respectively from superficial fascia to deep fascia. The fourth perforator was more laterally located than the third perforator and less than 1 cm above the iliac crest. A case in which the fourth lumbar artery perforator was used as flap pedicle is described. Conclusion: For the reconstruction of central defect on the back area, the lumbar artery perforator flap coverage may be a good alternative option. Computed tomographic angiography can easily identify the course and location of lumbar artery perforators and can be helpful to elevate the flap successfully.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.29-35
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• 2004

Materials and Methods: Total number of peroneal perforator flap is 14 cases, which 10 cases were man, 4 cases were woman. The range of age was 12 years old minimally and until 63 years old. The trauma was most common etiology, which was like traffic accidents, 9 cases. We confirmed tibialis anterior artery patency by doppler flow meter, angiography as preoperative evaluation. Results: 1. The success rate was 91%, that in 14 cases, 13 cases were succeded. 2. To obtain successful result of peroneal flap, one must have the anatomic concept for vascular pattern, 8 cases were between peroneus muscle and soleus muscle branch type but, 3 cases were through soleus muscle branch type, so we treated these cases by using soleus muscle including peroneal perforating branch not to injury perforating artery directly. 3. The pedicle size was between minimally $2{\times}2.5cm$ and maximally $6.5{\times}8.5cm$ so we could treat large recipient site. 4. The pedicle length was between minimally 3.2 cm and maximally 11.5cm, average 7.5 cm. 5. The diameter of perforating artery was estimated by inspection, that was about 0.2-0.5 cm Conclusion: The peroneal perforating artery flap has merits that we can approach in avascular zone and has wide movable range from foot to distal femur and little donor site mobidity and can harvest osteocutaneous flap. The weak point was the irregular anatomy of nutrient artery and not to contain sensory nerve.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.42-48
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• 2023

Background The temporalis muscle flap transfer with fascia lata augmentation (FLA) is a promising method for smile reconstruction after facial palsy. International literature lacks a detailed anatomical analysis of the temporalis muscle (TPM) combined with fascia lata (FL) augmentation. This study aims to describe the muscle's properties and calculate the length of FL needed to perform the temporalis muscle flap transfer with FLA. Methods Twenty nonembalmed male (m) and female (f) hemifacial cadavers were dissected to investigate the temporalis muscle's anatomy. Results The calculated minimum length of FL needed is 7.03cm (f) and 5.99cm (m). The length of the harvested tendon is 3.16cm/± 1.32cm (f) and 3.18/± 0.73cm (m). The length of the anterior part of the temporalis muscle (aTPM) is 4.16/± 0.80cm (f) and 5.30/± 0.85cm (m). The length of the posterior part (pTPM) is 5.24/± 1.51cm (f) and 6.62/± 1.03cm (m). The length from the most anterior to the most posterior point (aTPMpTPM) is 8.60/± 0.98cm (f) and 10.18/± 0.79cm (m). The length from the most cranial point to the distal tendon (cTPMdT) is 7.90/± 0.43cm (f) and 9.79/± 1.11cm (m). Conclusions This study gives basic information about the temporalis muscle and its anatomy to support existing and future surgical procedures in their performance. The recommended minimum length of FL to perform a temporalis muscle transfer with FLA is 7.03cm for female and 5.99cm for male, and minimum width of 3 cm. We recommend harvesting some extra centimeters to allow adjusting afterward.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.62-69
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• 1996

Lateral arm flap has been used for the reconstruction of the various defects in hand, head and neck region. This flap is highly dependable as a free flap because of its thin flap thickness, constant vascular anatomy and possibility of osteocutaneous flap and fascial flap. Recently, many authors tried extended approach for vascular pedicle and distal flap extension for bigger defects. In this study, we review previous articles and 14 cases used lateral arm flaps for coverage of the varying defect on head and neck, upper and lower extremities succesfully. In conclusion, lateral arm flap has constant anatomical structure and can overcome the disadvantages such as short pedicle length and limited flap size, then the range of its application can be very widened.