• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.14-17
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• 2011

Autologous breast reconstruction after mastectomy in breast cancer patient is now increasing. The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) free flap is well known as an ideal donor site for the microsurgical breast reconstruction. The branching pattern of the DIEA was well described in the literature. In that study, DIEA has three branching patterns near the arcuate line. We describe a case in which branching variation of the DIEA before entering the posterior surface of the rectus abdominis muscle. In three cases, DIEA originated from the external iliac artery ascended as a double trunk at 1cm, 2cm, and 4cm above the originating point, respectively. In one case, DIEA ascended as a single trunk along the linea alba toward to the umbilicus until it supply overlying subcutaneous tissue. Preoperative 3D computed tomographic angiography to identify the anomaly is recommended and meticulous dissection to the originating point of DIEA is needed.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.180-184
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• 2018

Breast deformity, in post-burn patients, is a common problem leading to lower self-esteem and reclusive behavior that impairs quality of life. The authors present the course of treatment of an 18-year-old immigrant girl who suffered second- to third-degree burns over approximately 20% of her total body surface area in her early childhood. The second- to third-degree burns were located on her right trunk and abdomen, as well as her right shoulder, neck, and right groin area. Since it was not offered in her home country, reconstructive surgery, including microsurgical breast reconstruction, was sought abroad. Due to the lack of available skin and soft tissue, a bilateral breast reconstruction with free transverse myocutaneous gracilis flaps was offered. This case illustrates one method of using microsurgery to address post-burn breast deformities in order to alleviate psychological suffering and improve quality of life.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.494-500
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• 2022

Background Seroma formation is the most common donor site complication following autologous breast reconstruction, along with hematoma. Seroma may lead to patient discomfort and may prolong hospital stay or delay adjuvant treatment. The aim of this study was to compare seroma rates between the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP), transverse musculocutaneous gracilis (TMG), and superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) donor sites. Methods The authors conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study consisting of chart review of all patients who underwent microsurgical breast reconstruction from April 2018 to June 2020. The primary outcome studied was frequency of seroma formation at the different donor sites. The secondary outcome evaluated potential prognostic properties associated with seroma formation. Third, the number of donor site seroma evacuations was compared between the three donor sites. Results Overall, 242 breast reconstructions were performed in 189 patients. Demographic data were found statistically comparable between the three flap cohorts, except for body mass index (BMI). Frequency of seroma formation was highest at the SGAP donor site (75.0%), followed by the TMG (65.0%), and DIEP (28.6%) donor sites. No association was found between seroma formation and BMI, age at surgery, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or DIEP laterality. The mean number of seroma evacuations was significantly higher in the SGAP and the TMG group compared with the DIEP group. Conclusion This study provides a single center's experience regarding seroma formation at the donor site after microsurgical breast reconstruction. The observed rate of donor site seroma formation was comparably high, especially in the TMG and SGAP group, necessitating an adaption of the surgical protocol.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.428-434
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• 2020

Background Three-dimensional (3D) model printing improves visualization of anatomical structures in space compared to two-dimensional (2D) data and creates an exact model of the surgical site that can be used for reference during surgery. There is limited evidence on the effects of using 3D models in microsurgical reconstruction on improving clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing reconstructive breast microsurgery procedures from 2017 to 2019 who received computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans only or with 3D models for preoperative surgical planning were performed. Preoperative decision-making to undergo a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) versus muscle-sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (MS-TRAM) flap, as well as whether the decision changed during flap harvest and postoperative complications were tracked based on the preoperative imaging used. In addition, we describe three example cases showing direct application of 3D mold as an accurate model to guide intraoperative dissection in complex microsurgical reconstruction. Results Fifty-eight abdominal-based breast free-flaps performed using conventional CTA were compared with a matched cohort of 58 breast free-flaps performed with 3D model print. There was no flap loss in either group. There was a significant reduction in flap harvest time with use of 3D model (CTA vs. 3D, 117.7±14.2 minutes vs. 109.8±11.6 minutes; P=0.001). In addition, there was no change in preoperative decision on type of flap harvested in all cases in 3D print group (0%), compared with 24.1% change in conventional CTA group. Conclusions Use of 3D print model improves accuracy of preoperative planning and reduces flap harvest time with similar postoperative complications in complex microsurgical reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.473-477
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• 2020

Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps represent a useful option in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the short-fixed pedicle can limit flap inset options. We present a challenging flap inset successfully addressed by de-epithelialization, turnover, and counterintuitive rotation. A 47-year-old woman underwent left tertiary breast reconstruction with stacked free flaps using right deep inferior epigastric perforator and left SIEA vessels. Antegrade and retrograde anastomoses to the internal mammary (IM) vessels were preferred; additionally, the thoracodorsal vessels were unavailable due to previous latissimus dorsi breast reconstruction. Optimal shaping required repositioning of the lateral ends of the flaps superiorly, which would position the ipsilateral SIEA hemi-flap pedicle lateral to and out of reach of the IM vessels. This problem was overcome by turning the SIEA flap on its long axis, allowing the pedicle to sit medially with the lateral end of the flap positioned superiorly. The de-epithelialized SIEA flap dermis was in direct contact with the chest wall, enabling its fixation. This method of flap inset provides a valuable solution for medializing the SIEA pedicle while maintaining an aesthetically satisfactory orientation. This technique could be used in ipsilateral SIEA flap breast reconstructions that do not require a skin paddle, as with stacked flaps or following nipple-sparing mastectomy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.2
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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 Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.761-765
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• 2013

Background Partially resecting ribs of the recipient site to facilitate easy anastomosis of the internal mammary vessels to free flaps during breast reconstruction can cause chest wall pain or deformities. To avoid this, the intercostal perforating branches of the internal mammary vessels can be used for anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the location and size of the internal mammary perforator vessels based on clinical intraoperative findings and to determine their reliability as recipient vessels for breast reconstruction with microsurgical free tissue transfer. Methods Twelve patients were preoperatively screened for the presence of internal mammary perforators using Doppler tracing. After modified radical mastectomy was performed by a general surgeon, the location and size of the internal mammary perforator vessels were microscopically investigated. The external diameter was examined using a vessel-measuring gauge from a mechanical coupling device, and the distance from the mid-sternal line to the perforator was also measured. Results The largest arterial perforator averaged 1.5 mm, and the largest venous perforator averaged 2.2 mm. Perforators emerging from the second intercostal space had the largest average external diameter; the second intercostal space also had the largest number of perforators arising from it. The average distance from the mid-sternal line to the perforator was 20.2 mm. Conclusions Internal mammary perforators presented consistent and reliable anatomy in this study. Based on these results, the internal mammary perforators appear to have a suitable diameter for microvascular anastomosis and should be considered as an alternative recipient vessel to the internal mammary vessel.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 1998

The purpose of this study is to investigate the appropriate management of severe radionecrotic wounds of the anterior chest wall associated with infection of the soft tissues and ribs and exposure of vital structures(heart and lung), and present our strategies for reconstruction of these complicated patients. 9 patients have undergone radical debridement and immediate microsurgical reconstruction for severe radionecrotic wounds of the anterior chest wall over last 7 years. All patients had extensive osteomyelitis of the ribs or sternum, and chronic infection or cutaneous fistulae. 2 patients had pericardial effusions due to longstanding inflammation, and 6 patients had pleural effusions. 2 patients had ipsilateral lung collapse. 10 free flaps were performed for coverage of the huge defects. One patient required 2 free flaps to control the inflammation. 8 free TRAM flaps were used for coverage of the defects and in addition, the rectus abdominis muscle was packed into any deep cavity. 1 patients underwent latissimus dorsi muscle free flap because of previous abdominal surgery. After extensive debridement of the infected, radionecrotic wounds, all 10 free flaps were successful. All the extensive radionecrotic defects of the anterior chest wall were completely healed. Free flaps successfully covered the exposed vital structures of the heart and lungs. Patients with severe radionecrotic defects of the anterior chest wall after ablative breast cancer surgery and radiotherapy were successfully treated by radical debridement and immediate free flap surgery. The TRAM flap together with the rectus muscle is the treatment of choice for these huge defects. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was the second choice in patients with previous abdominal surgery. The recipient vessel should be carefully selected because of possible radiation damage and inflammation.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.783-787
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• 2015

This procedure was developed for preservation of the rectus muscle components and deep inferior epigastric vessel after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvesting. A 53-year-old woman with granuloma caused by silicone injection underwent bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate reconstruction with "mini-flow-through" DIEP flaps. The flaps were dissected based on the single largest perforator with a short segment of the lateral branch of the deep inferior epigastric vessel that was transected as a free flap for breast reconstruction. The short segments of the donor deep inferior epigastric vessel branch are primarily end-to-end anastomosed to each other. A short T-shaped pedicle mini-flow-through DIEP flap is interposed in the incised recipient's internal mammary vessels with two arterial and four concomitant venous anastomoses. Although it requires multiple vascular anastomoses and a short pedicle for the flap setting, the mini-flow-through DIEP flap provides a large pedicle caliber, enabling safer microsurgical anastomosis and well-vascularized tissue for creating a natural breast without consuming time or compromising the rectus muscle components and vascular flow of both the deep inferior epigastric and internal mammary vessels.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2022

The application of minimal invasive mastectomy has allowed surgeons to perform nipples-paring mastectomy via a shorter, inconspicuous incision under clear vision and with more precise hemostasis. However, it poses new challenges in microsurgical breast reconstruction, such as vascular anastomosis and flap insetting, which are considerably more difficult to perform through the shorter incision on the lateral breast border. We propose an innovative technique of transcutaneous medial fixation sutures to help in flap insetting and creating and maintaining the medial breast border. The sutures are placed after mastectomy and before flap transfer. Three 4-0 nylon suture loops are placed transcutaneously and into the pocket at the markings of the preferred lower medial border of the reconstructed breast. After microvascular anastomosis and temporary shaping of the flap on top of the mastectomy skin, the three corresponding points for the sutures are identified. The three nylon loops are then sutured to the dermis of the corresponding medial point of the flap. The flap is placed into the pocket by a simultaneous gentle pull on the three sutures and a combined lateral push. The stitches are then tied and buried after completion of flap inset.