• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2004

Materials and Methods: We studied 50 cases of peroneal perforating branch about branching pattern, course, length of vascular pedicle, and perforating level of the perforating cutaneous branches from Oct. 1985 to November 2003 by doppler flow meter and intraoperative findings. Results: 1) The perforating cutaneous branches were classified into four types, the Straight Branch (27cases), the Proximal Oblique Branch (11cases), the Branch from Muscular Artery (10cases), the Distal Oblique Branch(2 cases) respectively. The most common patten was Straight Branch, that was 54%. 2) There were 3 pathways of these branches, the most common one passed between the Soleus and Peroneus muscles(34 cases, 68%) 3) The length of vascular pedicle in Buoy Flap was variable from from 3 cm to 15 cm, but 32 cases(64%) were distributed between 5 cm and 6 cm. 4) The perforating level of branches were 5.9 cm in average from fibular neck to subcutaneous perforator artery 5) Peroneal Buoy Flap in possible to reconstruct both seperated bone and skin defect in some distance by One-Stage Operation and we can harvest maximal $8{\times}16cm$ sized flap in one perforating artery. If we include more two perforating artery, we get more wide flap which can cover large defect.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.435-443
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• 2020

Background The innervated radial artery superficial palmar branch (iRASP) flap was designed to provide consistent innervation by the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve (PCMN) to a glabrous skin flap. The iRASP flap is used to achieve coverage of diverse volar defects of digits. However, unexpected anatomical variations can affect flap survival and outcomes. Methods Cases in which patients received iRASP flaps since April 1, 2014 were retrospectively investigated by reviewing the operation notes and intraoperative photographs. The injury type, flap dimensions, arterial and neural anatomy, secondary procedures, and complications were evaluated. Results Twenty-eight cases were reviewed, and no flap failures were observed. The observed anatomical variations were the absence of a direct skin perforator, large-diameter radial artery superficial palmar branch (RASP), and the PCMN not being a single branch. Debulking procedures were performed in 16 cases (57.1%) due to flap bulkiness. Conclusions In some cases, an excessively large RASP artery was observed, even when there was no direct skin perforator from the RASP or variation in the PCMN. These findings should facilitate application of the iRASP flap, as well as any surgical procedures that involve potential damage to the PCMN in the inter-thenar crease region. Additional clinical cases will provide further clarification regarding potential anatomical variations.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.64-70
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• 2022

Background: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps are versatile soft tissue flaps that have become the standard soft-tissue flaps used for head and neck reconstruction. They provide a long vascular pedicle, constant vessel diameter, abundant soft tissue coverage, and minimal donor site morbidity. The ALT flap was initially designed on the basis of a septocutaneous (SC) perforator. However, more recent research has shown that a substantial number of ALT flaps are now based on musculocutaneous (MC) perforators, and the ratio between MC and SC perforators varies among studies. In this study, we analyzed the perforating pattern of ALT flaps along with their clinical outcomes during head and neck reconstruction in the Korean population. Methods: From October 2016 to July 2020, 68 patients who had undergone an ALT flap procedure for head and neck reconstruction were enrolled retrospectively. The perforating pattern of the cutaneous perforator vessel (MC perforator/SC perforator/oblique branch), pedicle length, and flap size were analyzed intraoperatively. Patient demographics and flap necrosis rates were also calculated. Results: The highest number of cutaneous perforator vessels supplying the ALT flap were the MC perforators (87%). The proportion of MC perforators was significantly higher than that of the SC perforators and oblique branches. Flap necrosis occurred in seven cases (11.86%); sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, perforator course, and history of radiotherapy did not significantly affect flap necrosis. Conclusion: The ALT free flap procedure remains popular for reconstruction of the head and neck. In this study, we observed that the majority of cutaneous vessels supplying the flaps were MC perforators (87%). When using the MC perforator during flap elevation, careful dissection of the perforator is required to achieve successful ALT flaps because intramuscular dissection is difficult. Perforator pattern and history of radiotherapy did not affect flap necrosis.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2012

Purpose: Purpose: The free deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is a popular option for autologous breast reconstruction. However, the anatomy of the deep inferior epigastric artery(DIEA) may vary from one individual to another. Unexpected vascular anomaly can confuse the surgeon and affects on the safety of the free DIEP flap. Materials and Methods: Thirty five consecutive patients who underwent free DIEP/TRAM flap for immediate breast reconstruction between Mar. 2010 and Oct. 2010 were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography angiography (CT angiography) of abdomen was evaluated part of our standard preoperative assessment: atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP were evaluated by preoperative CT angiography and compared with intraoperative finding. Results: Atypical patterns of DIEA/DIEP which may affect preoperative planning were noted as the following: Circummusclar/subfascial DIEA (n=1), DIEA running underneath rectus muscle (n=8), septocutaneous perforator (n=3), peritoneo-cutaneous perforator (n=1), a large branch going into peritoneum (n=1), and very early division and muscle penetration of DIEA (n=1). Conclusion: Atypical DIEA/DIEP that might change the operation plan is not rare, so the individualized planning based on the preoperative CT angiography is recommended. Preoperative CT angiography could help to select reliable and easy-to-dissect perforator in free DIEP/TRAM breast reconstruction.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.203-208
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• 2007

Purpose: Myocutaneous flap was widely used for trochanteric pressure sore but it had many drawbacks such as donor site morbidity, dog-ear deformity and functional muscle sacrifice. We have performed fasciocutaneous flap based on perforating vessels and succeeded in overcoming its drawbacks. Methods: We experienced 11 cases of perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap for the coverage of trochanteric pressure sore in 9 patients, 2 cases of which were bilateral. The ambulatory status of patient group is as follows: 6 of them used a wheelchair, 2 of them are free walking, 1 of them use a wheelchair or crutches. Flap was supplied by cutaneous perforating vessel of descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the third perforating artery of the deep femoral artery. The size of wounds were from $4{\times}6.5cm$ to $10{\times}13cm$. Results: We did not find any flap loss or congestion except 2 partial wound dehiscences and 1 wound infection. Donor site morbidity was not found. We observed no recurrence of the pressure sore during the 2.5 year follow-up period. Conclusion: We considered that perforator-based fasciocutaneous flap could overcome the traditional drawbacks of the conventional myocutaneous flap and its modified flap for trochanteric pressure sore. And this flap has many advantages for covering trochanteric pressure sore without any donor site deformity and morbidity, which would greatly improve the aesthetic result.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.559-564
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• 2009

Purpose: Surgical reconstruction of an ischial soft tissue defect presents a challenging problem owing to a high rate of recurrence, especially paraplegic patients. Although various muscle, musculocutaneous and fasciocuta - neous flaps have been used in the reconstruction of ischial soft tissue defect, it is still debated which type of flaps are the best. We had performed a relatively durable adductor magnus perforator island flap based on the perforators originated from the first medial branch of the profunda femoris artery for coverage of ischial soft tissue defect where was not a region universally reconstructed by perforator flap. Methods: From August 2005 until January 2008, the adductor magnus perforator island flap had been used for resurfacing of the ischial soft tissue defects in a series of 6 patients (4 male and 2 female). Ages ranged from 26 to 67 years (mean, 47.5 years), and follow - up period from 13 to 26 months (mean, 16.7 months). Causes were 4 pressure ulcers, 1 cellulitis and 1 suppurative keratinous cyst. Results: The sizes of these flaps ranged from 12 to 18 cm in length and 7 to 9 cm in width. The flaps survived in all patients. Marginal loss over the distal area of the flap by infection was noted in one patient, which was treated successfully with a subsequent split - thickness skin graft. Average thickness of the flap was 0.94 cm, which was more thicker than other perforator flaps. Long term follow - up showed a good flap durability. Conclusion: In planning a reconstructive option of ischial soft tissue defect, the adductor magnus perforator island flap is a relatively large cutaneous flap with a durable thickness. With proper patient selection, careful vascular dissection and postoperative management, we recommend this flap is a good and suitable option for coverage of the ischial soft tissue defect.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.265-270
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• 2016

Objectives: To gain information on anatomical variation in anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in a series of clinical cases, with special focus on perforators and pedicles, for potential use in reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Materials and Methods: Eight patients who underwent microvascular reconstructive surgery with ALT free flaps after ablative surgery for oral cancer were included. The number of perforators included in cutaneous flaps, location of perforators (septocutaneous or musculocutaneous), and the course of vascular pedicles were intraoperatively investigated. Results: Four cases with a single perforator and four cases with multiple perforators were included in the ALT flap designed along the line from anterior superior iliac spine to patella. Three cases had perforators running the septum between the vastus lateralis and rectus femoris muscle (septocutaneous type), and five cases had perforators running in the vastus lateralis muscle (musculocutaneous type). Regarding the course of vascular pedicles, five cases were derived from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (type I), and three cases were from the transverse branch (type II). Conclusion: Anatomical variation affecting the distribution of perforators and the course of pedicles might prevent use of an ALT free flap in various reconstruction cases. However, these issues can be overcome with an understanding of anatomical variation and meticulous surgical dissection. ALT free flaps are considered reliable options for reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the oral and maxillofacial area.