• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.141-145
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• 2002

Rectus abdominis muscle free flap is widely used for breast reconstruction and soft tissue defect in lower leg but donor-site morbidities such as abdominal wall weakness, hernia, bulging are troublesome. Recently, to minimize donor-site morbidity, there has been a surge in interest in deep inferior epigastric perforator(DIEP) free flap preserving the anatomy of rectus abdominis muscle, fascia, and motor nerve. Between August of 1995 and September of 2002, topographic investigation of DIEP was performed during the elevation of 97 cases of TRAM free flap and 5 cases of DIEP free flap. There were 84 cases of breast reconstructions, 12 cases of lower leg reconstructions, and 6 cases of head and neck reconstruction. We could observe total 10 to 12 perforators on each rectus abdominis muscle below umbilicus. Among these, the numbers of large perforators(>1.5mm of diameter) were mean 2.1 in lateral half of rectus abdominis muscle, mean 1.2 in medial half, and mean 0.5 in linea alba and paramedian. DIEP free flap provides ample amount of well vascularized soft tissue without inclusion of any rectus abdominis muscle and fascia and minimizes donor-site morbidity. One perforator with significant flow can perfuse the whole flap. For large flap, a perforator of the medial row provides better perfusion to zone-4 than one of lateral row and, if diameter of perforator is small, $2{\sim}3$ perforators can be used. According to the condition of recipient-site, thin flap can be harvested. As DIEP free flap has many advantage, perforator topography will be useful in increasing clinical usage of DIEP free flap.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.121-126
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• 2021

Background Despite the wide demand for thin flaps for various types of extremity reconstruction, the thin elevation technique for anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps is not very popular because of its technical difficulty and safety concerns. This study proposes a novel perforator-centralizing technique for super-thin ALT flaps and analyzes its effects in comparison with a skewed-perforator group. Methods From June 2018 to January 2020, 41 patients who required coverage of various types of defects with a single perforator-based super-thin ALT free flap were enrolled. The incidence of partial necrosis and proportion of the necrotic area were analyzed on postoperative day 20 according to the location of superficial penetrating perforators along the flap. The centralized-perforator group was defined as having a perforator anchored to the middle third of the x- and y-axes of the flap, while the skewed-perforator group was defined as having a perforator anchored outside of the middle third of the x- and y-axes of the flap. Results No statistically significant difference in flap thickness and dimension was found between the two groups. The arterial and venous anastomosis patterns of patients in both groups were not significantly different. Only the mean partial necrotic area showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (centralized-perforator group, 3.4%±2.2%; skewed-perforator group, 15.8%±8.6%; P=0.022). Conclusions The present study demonstrated that super-thin ALT perforator flaps can be elevated safely, with minimal partial necrosis, using the perforator-centralizing technique.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2005

Thigh perforator flaps are used popularly, because they have a small thickness, a long vascular pedicle and a low rate of donor site morbidity. Among thigh perforator flaps, anterolateral thigh perforator flaps are generally used, but it is not easy to dissect the vastus lateralis muscle to find the vasuclar pedicle. The authors have planed 11 anteromedial thigh perforator flaps that have septocutaneous perforators. We were able to find anteromedial thigh perforators in 8 cases(72.7%). The perforators originated from the medial descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in 2 cases and a branch to the rectus femoris muscle in 6 cases. Of this type of surgery, 7 flaps survived. However, 1 flap failed because of arterial insufficiency. We believe the anteromedial thigh perforator flap is a good option when the thigh region is decided as a donor site, but surgeons should keep in mind that the perforator of anteromedial thigh flap may be absent.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.760-763
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• 2022

The dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap is a flap that rises from the hand dorsum. Owing to its reliability and versatility, this flap is used as a workhorse for finger defect. However, to cover the radial-volar defect of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) of the index finger, a longer flap is required than before. Here, we introduce the oblique extended reverse first dorsal metacarpal artery (FDMA) perforator flap to cover the radial-volar aspect defect of the index finger. A 45-year-old man got injured to the radial-volar defect of PIPJ of the left index finger caused by thermal press machine. The wound was 2 × 1 cm in size, and the joint and bone were exposed. We used FDMA perforator from anastomosis with palmar metacarpal artery at metacarpal neck. Since the defect was extended to the volar side, the flap was elevated by oblique extension to the fourth metacarpal base level. The fascia was included to the flap, and the flap was rotated counterclockwise. Finally, PIPJ was fully covered by the flap. Donor site was primarily closed. After 12 months of operation, the flap was stable without complication and limitation of range of motion. The oblique extended reverse FDMA perforator flap is a reliable method for covering the radial-volar defect of the PIPJ of the index finger. This flap, which also has an aesthetic advantage, will be a good choice for hand surgeons who want to cover the PIPJ defect of the index finger using a nonmicrosurgical option.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2011

Purpose: Anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator free flap is commonly used because of its various benefits. The author reports important factors of preoperative and perioperative ALT perforator free flap and causes of failure. Methods: 84 patients who were treated with ALT perforator free flap from December 2004 to 2008, and February 2010 to April 2010 were studied. 61 patients were male and 23 were female. The mean age of patients was 51.1. The main cause was neoplasm and the main reconstructive areas were head and neck area. The size of flap was various from $3{\times}4$ to $12{\times}18$ cm. 6 patients received split thickness skin graft at donor site. Preoperative angiography was checked to all patients. Results: Among the 84 patients, partial necrosis of flaps occurred in 4 patients because of atherosclerosis, varicose vein, or inattention of patient, etc. And total flap necrosis in 5 patients because of abnormal vessels of recipient area or delay of operation, etc. One case of serous cyst was found as the complication of donor area. Two cases of skin graft on donor site were done because of suspected muscle compartment syndrome, 4 cases of that because of large flap. Septocutaneous perforators were found in 7 cases. The author couldn't find reliable perforator in 3 cases, ipsilateral anteromedial thigh perforator and contralateral ALT perforator and latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap were done instead of ALT. There was no case which needed reoperation because of the impairment of blood supply, and 3 cases were revised by leech because of the burn injury by a lamp or venous congestion. Conclusion: Although ALT perforator free flap is widely used with its various merits, many factors such as preoperative condition of donor or recipient area, morphology of defect and operating time need to consider to prevent flap necrosis. And operators should need careful technique because septocutaneous perforator is uncommon, and musculocutaneous perforator is common but difficult to dissect.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.232-237
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• 2007

Introduction: To report the result of the thigh perforator free flap for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities and usefulness of this flap. Materials and Methods: We have performed 23 cases of thigh perforator free flap to reconstruct the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities between February 2004 and July 2005. The anterior aspect of the legs were 9 cases, the ankle joints were 4 cases, the dorsal aspect of the feet were 6 cases, the sole of the feet were 4 cases as recipient sites. The anterolateral thighs were 13 cases, the anteromedial thighs were 10 cases as donor sites. The size of the flap ranged from $4{\times}5\;cm$ to $12{\times}18\;cm$. The mean flap area was $73.2\;cm^2$. The length of the pedicle ranged from 5 cm to 15 cm. Every patient except children was operated under the spinal anesthesia. Results: 21 flaps (91.3%) survived, 2 flaps (8.7%) failed. In the 21 flaps that had survived, there were partial necrosis in 4 cases, which healed without any additional operation. In the 13 anterolateral thigh perforator flaps, 9 cases survived totally, 3 cases had the partial necrosis, 1 case failed. In the 10 anteromedial thigh perforator flaps, 8 cases survived totally, 1 case had the partial necrosis, 1 case failed. Conclusion: The authors had a good result with the thigh perforator free flap and believe that this flap is a good option for the reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the lower extremities, because this flap has a thin thickness and it is easy to dissect the vessels. Moreover the patients can be operated with supine position.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.33-37
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• 2013

Purpose: The concept and development of perforator free flaps have led to significant advances in microsurgery. Ongoing developments in perforator free flap surgery are aimed at reducing complications and improving surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and application of supermicrosurgery in free flap surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of 267 patients with soft tissue defects of the lower extremity due to various etiologies from January, 2007 to January, 2013. The patients received either an anterolateral thigh free flap (n=83), a superficial circumflex iliac artery free flap (n=152), an upper medial thigh free flap (n=19), or a superior gluteal artery perforator free flap (n=13). Microanastomosis was performed using a perforator-to-perforator technique, either end-to-end or end-to-side. Results: The mean postoperative follow up period was eight months (range: one to 16 months) and flap loss occurred in 11 cases out of 267. All cases of flap loss occurred within two weeks of surgery due to either arterial insufficiency (n=5) or venous congestion (n=6). Conclusion: Supermicrosurgery enables the selection of the most efficient perforator for microanastomosis at the defect site. It also reduces the time required for dissection of recipient vessels, and reduces the possibility of injury to major vessels. Microsurgery using a vessel of less than 1 mm has been reported to increase the risk of flap failure; however, using the most advanced surgical tools and developing experience in the technique can produce success rates similar to those found in the literature.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.63-70
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• 2014

Background Perforator flaps minimize abdominal site morbidity during autologous breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the number of perforators harvested influences the overall deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap survival and flap-related complications. Methods A retrospective review was performed of all DIEP flaps performed at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2011. The outcomes assessed included flap loss and major complications. We compared flaps by the number of total perforators (1-4) and then carried out a subgroup analysis comparing flaps with one perforator to flaps with multiple perforators. Lastly, we conducted a post-hoc analysis based on body mass index (BMI) categorization. Results Three hundred thirty-three patients underwent 395 DIEP flaps. No significant differences were noted in the flap loss rate or the overall complications across perforator groups. However, the subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher rates of fat necrosis in the case of one-perforator flaps than in the case of multiple-perforator flaps (10.2% vs. 3.1%, P=0.009). The post-hoc analysis revealed a significant increase in the flap loss rate with increasing BMI (<30=2.0%, 30-34.9=3.1%, 35-39.9=3.1%, >40=42.9%, P<0.001) in the DIEP flaps, but no increase in fat necrosis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the number of perforators does not impact the rate of flap survival. However, the rate of fat necrosis may be significantly higher in DIEP flaps based on a single perforator. Multiple perforators should be utilized if possible to decrease the risk of fat necrosis.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2007

The reconstruction of deep soft tissue defect such as pressure sore has difficult problems. Myocutaneous flaps have been used commonly as the best coverage method for pressure sore. But, they have several drawbacks such as sacrifice of functional muscle, high morbidity of the donor sites and bulkiness at the recipient site. The concepts of perforator flap has recently developed and widely used to overcome these disadvantages. Between March 2005 to July 2006, we have treated 9 patients who had pressure sore using perforator based fasciocutaneous island rotation flap. Preoperative unidirectional Doppler was used in all cases. Mean number of perforator vessels was 3.8 and flap sizes were from $7{\times}5\;cm$ to $14{\times}13\;cm$. Rotation angles of flap were from 90 degree to 180 degree. In all cases, donor sites were closed primarily. All flap survived completely and postoperative complications were wound dehiscence in 1 case, wound infection in 3 cases. The mean postoperative follow up period was 15.7 months and recurrence was not reported. We could decrease donor site morbidity and cover wound sites easily by using flap rotation and get robust blood supply without sacrifice of functional muscle. Fasciocutaneous perforator island rotation flap would be very useful for various pressure sore treatment.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.69-71
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• 2016

Reconstruction of the lower extremities is difficult due to a lack of skin laxity and muscular tissues. Here, we present a case of lower extremity reconstruction via the anterior tibial artery perforator based segmental muscle island flap. Our patient was a 75-year-old male with a chronic ulcerative wound on the right lower leg from an old car accident. A $5.0{\times}0.5cm$ size ulcerative wound with tibial bone exposure was noted. We planned to reconstruct the lower extremity defect with a free flap, but the vessel status was severely compromised intraoperatively. Thus, we found the anterior tibial artery perforator using Doppler ultrasound, elevated the tibialis anterior muscle segment flap, and transposed it to cover the defect successfully. The flap presented with a nice contour and the skin graft covering the flap survived completely. There were no complications of the surgical site at three months follow-up and no gait morbidity. This is a meaningful case applying the concept of segmental muscle flap based on a perforator that had advantages including proper bulkiness, vascularization, and preservation of function, which were well applied, leading to great success.