Functional and Aesthetic Lower Lip Reconstruction With Depressor Anguli Oris Muscle Flap and Reverse Superior Labial Artery Flap.

BACKGROUND: The lower lip is an important anatomical structure involved in daily activities such as eating, drinking, and speaking, as well as in facial expressions. Lower lip defects should be repaired to preserve lip function without disrupting the aesthetic harmony of the lips within the face. This goal is difficult for plastic surgeons because, for functional and aesthetic repair, it is necessary to replace the mucosa, muscle (especially contractile), and skin tissues present in the lip. METHODS: Subtotal lower lip repair was performed using an innervated depressor anguli oris muscle flap and a desepithelialized reverse superior labial artery flap in seven male patients with a mean age of 63 years. A depressor anguli oris muscle flap was used to repair the orbicularis oris muscle defect. The desepithelialized part of the reverse superior labial artery flap was used for mucosal defect repair, whereas the remaining part was used for skin defect repair. Patients were followed up for an average of 15 months. Patient lips, epithelialization, sensation, and sphincter function were clinically evaluated. Electromyography (EMG) was performed at 6 and 12 months to evaluate the function of the depressor anguli oris muscle flap. RESULTS: All the reverse superior labial artery flaps survived without any loss. Trapdoor deformity developed in the flaps of two patients. The desepithelialized parts of the flaps were completely epithelialized (covered with mucosa) by approximately 6th week. In the EMG controls of the patients at 6 months, the depressor anguli oris muscle was contractible. Sensation regained in the operated lip during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of an innervated depressor anguli oris muscle flap and a desepithelialized reverse superior labial artery flap is an important surgical option for the functional and aesthetic repair of subtotal lower lip defects.

Anatomical research and clinical application of multistage advancement in dorsal finger V-Y flap.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomical basis and clinical efficiency of the advancement distance in dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four fingers in 11 fresh adult hand specimen were selected, V-Y flap was performed with the digital artery as vascular pedicle, and the advancement distance was measured. The relationship between the distance and extensibility of skin, sliding degree of subcutaneous superficial fascia, angular displacement of digital arterial dorsal branch, elasticity of digital artery was discussed. Two cases were provided to demonstrate the feasibility and importance of this flap. RESULTS: In the dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap simulated on fresh adult hand specimens, the mean advance distance of the middle segment flap and proximal segment flap is 18 ± 0.8 mm and 34 ± 1.7 mm, respectively, and the maximum can reach 24 and 45 mm, respectively. Two cases of dorsal digital V-Y advancement flaps were designed and performed in the dorsal side of the ring finger middle segment and the thumb proximal segment, respectively. The advancement distances were 25 and 26 mm, respectively. All flaps survived completely and the incisions healed by first intention. The flap texture was good, the affected finger was symmetrical, and the activity and sensation restored well. CONCLUSION: The dorsal digital V-Y advancement flap with the digital artery as the main vascular pedicle can exert four factors for advancement effect, and significantly increase the advancement distance. The operation is simple, the blood supply is reliable, and the postoperative sensation is normal. It is an ideal flap for repairing the digital dorsal defect.

Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness of Intraoperative Flap Perfusion Assessment With Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography in Breast and Head and Neck Reconstructions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA) is gaining popularity for the assessment of reconstructive flap perfusion intraoperatively. This study analyses the literature with a focus on its clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness across various plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines on published studies in English comparing ICGFA with standard clinical assessment for flap perfusion. Meta-analysis concerned perfusion-related complications and cost data. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria, of which two were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four were prospective cohort studies. Twenty-one studies were AHRQ Standard 'Good'; however, the overall level of evidence remains low. ICGFA was predominantly performed in breast surgeries (n = 3310) and head and neck reconstruction (n = 701) albeit with inconsistency in protocols and predominantly subjective interpretations (only five studies utilized objective thresholds). In breast surgery, meta-analysis demonstrated significant reductions in mastectomy skin flap necrosis (odds ratio (OR) 0.58, p < 0.0001), fat necrosis (OR 0.31, p < 0.001), infection (OR 0.66, p = 0.02), and re-operation (OR 0.40, p < 0.0001), but no significant decrease in total or partial flap loss (OR 0.78, p = 0.57/OR 0.87, p = 0.56, respectively) or increase in dehiscence (OR 1.55, p = 0.11). In head and neck surgery, ICGFA significantly decreased total flap loss (OR 0.47, p = 0.04), although not partial flap loss (OR 0.37, p = 0.13) and reoperation (OR 0.92, p = 0.73). Lower limb (n = 104) and abdominal wall (n = 95) reconstructive surgeries were much less studied with no significant ICGFA impact. Seven studies reported cost savings with flap surgeries and breast reconstructions, although study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: ICGFA appears to be a useful, cost-effective tool to identify otherwise unsuspected hypoperfusion in breast and head and neck reconstruction. There is a clear need for standardization, however, to avoid bias. Further RCTs are necessary to solidify these promising clinical findings.

Results of innervated digital artery perforator flap and direct-flow homodigital flap application in fingertip soft tissue amputations.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the results of the innervated digital artery perforator (IDAP) flap and the direct-flow homodigital flap as reconstruction methods for fingertip soft tissue amputations. This issue is important in hand surgery, and we aim to identify the method that provides the best functional and cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: Between 2020 and 2022, 32 patients with fingertip amputations were reconstructed by the same surgeon using two different methods. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: those who underwent IDAP (n = 14) and those who had a direct-flow homodigital flap (n = 18). We compared the groups in terms of defect size, cold intolerance, venous congestion, Sollerman hand function test scores, Seddon sensory test scores, and follow-up periods, as well as flap viability, flexion contracture, and static two-point discrimination (s2PD). RESULTS: Of the 32 patients (26 men, 6 females; age: mean 28.72 ± 11.5 years), the injuries were caused by different mechanisms, including sharp (57.1% IDAP), crush (75% IDAP) and entanglement (66.7% homodigital). The average area of tissue loss was approximately 2.70 ± 1.37 cm², while the average s2PD measurement was approximately 4.94 ± 1.04 mm. Postoperatively, the Seddon sensory test results for the homodigital flap group were S4 (61.5%), S3 (23.1%), S3+ (7.7%), and S2 (7.7%), compared to the IDAP group, which showed S4 (57.9%), S3+ (21.1%), and S3 (21.1%). Complications occurred in five patients, though no flap loss or revision was required. The postoperative mean Sollerman hand function scores were higher for the homodigital group than for the IDAP group, with values of 75 ± 2.64 and 73 ± 3.34, respectively. Although not statistically significant, the results numerically suggest that the IDAP flap is better in terms of sensory recovery and hand function compared to the homodigital flap (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation to compare direct-flow flaps with IDAP. The average follow-up period for patients who underwent homodigital surgery was also shorter than that of the IDAP group. Furthermore, the mean postoperative two-point discrimination and postoperative Sollerman function score were higher in patients who had homodigital surgery.

Vascularised and Non-Vascularised Adipofascial Flap Applications in Tissue Trauma with Tendon Injury, Flap Viability and Tendon Healing a Hystological and Scintigraphical Rat Model Study.

Background and Objectives: Complex wounds in the hand and distal lower extremities pose challenges in reconstructive surgery, often involving critical structures like tendons. Tendon injuries, prevalent in such wounds, necessitate optimal repair methods for functional recovery. This study investigates the impact of vascularised and nonvascularised adipofascial tissue on tendon repair, focusing on early healing stages, mobilisation, and scintigraphic evaluation of flap vascularity. Materials and Methods: Wistar Albino rats were divided into groups undergoing primary tendon repair, vascularised adipofascial flap application, or nonvascularised flap application. Scintigraphic evaluation and histopathological assessment were performed to analyse healing processes. Results: Pedicle-free flaps support healing in tendon injuries without negatively affecting medium-term outcomes. Vascularised flaps exhibit faster healing. The scintigraphic analysis showed that the static measurements of the late phase were statistically significantly higher in the group with the non-vascularised adipofascial flap (p = 0.038). The mean perfusion reserve was higher in the vascularised pedicled adipofascial flap group than the non-vascularised adipofascial flap group. Scintigraphic analysis highlights the viability of pedicle-free flaps. Conclusions: Pedicle-free adipofascial flaps support the healing of the tendon without complicating the results, while vascularised flaps show accelerated healing. These findings provide valuable insights into optimising tendon repair strategies using adipofascial flaps, with implications for enhancing functional recovery in complex wounds.

Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation.

We describe in detail a novel surgical technique for repairing donor anterior left atrial wall defect in vivo by rotating the posterior atrial flap during lung transplantation. This method can safely and effectively address the most common type of donor left atrial cuff defect: the anterior wall defect, with the intact posterior wall, typically retained when the donor heart is also used. During atrial cuff anastomosis in lung transplantation, the excess donor posterior atrial wall is trimmed into an atrial flap. After the posterior wall anastomosis is completed, the atrial flap is rotated 180° and used as a patch for anterior wall reconstruction anastomosis. After restoring blood flow, the flow rate of the pulmonary vein is normal and smooth as confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography. Compared with the traditional patch reconstruction method, the new method effectively reduces the atrial cuff anastomosis time. Our results showed no significant difference in pulmonary vein obstruction after reconstruction. Pulmonary artery systolic blood pressure was significantly lower and pulmonary function improved postoperatively in all groups, with no significant differences among the groups. The new technique provides a feasible strategy for the reconstruction of left atrial cuff defects and can improve the effective utilization rate of donor lungs.

Low-dose estrogen release from silastic capsule enhanced flap wound healing in an animal model.

BACKGROUND: Deep and extensive wounds usually cannot be closed directly by suturing or skin grafting. Flap transplantation is typically used to reconstruct large wounds clinically. The flap survival is based on a stable blood perfusion. It is established that estrogen promotes wound healing and angiogenesis, and regulates the inflammatory response, leading to enhanced flap survival after transplantation. However, estrogen concentrations administered in previous studies were significantly higher than physiological levels, potentially causing systemic side effects. Estrogen-sustained-release silastic capsules can maintain blood serum estrogen closer to physiological levels. This study aimed to investigate whether administering estrogen at a lower concentration, closer to physiological levels, could still enhance flap survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed in a random skin flap model in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Sustained-release estrogen silastic capsules were implanted into OVX mice to determine the functional role of estrogen in wound healing after flap transplantation. Flap blood perfusion was analysed using a colour laser Doppler scanner. Immunohistochemical staining of CD31, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cleaved caspase 3 and apoptotic terminal dUTP nick end-labelling stain was used to investigate flap angiogenesis, tissue hypoxia, wound healing and cell death in the flap tissue, respectively. RESULTS: We observed that administering estrogen at a lower concentration enhanced superficial blood perfusion while reducing the flap's ischemic area and tissue necrosis. HIF-1α expression was significantly decreased in the dermis layer but not in the fascia, whereas cleaved caspase 3 levels decreased in the fascia but remained unchanged in the dermis. Additionally, there was no significant difference in CD31and α-SMA expression between the groups. CONCLUSION: In summary, the study showed that an estrogen silastic capsule maintained physiological estrogen levels and improved superficial perfusion, thereby reducing dermal hypoxia, and cell death in a mouse random pattern skin flap model. Although no significant promotion of angiogenesis was observed, the study suggests that appropriate estrogen supplements could enhance flap wound recovery.

[Preparation of vascularized forearm dermal fat flap and repairing of donor site].

Objective:This study prepared vascularized dermal fat flaps and introduced a local split-thickness skin graft from an in situ cutaneous area cutaneous area to manage forearm flap donor sites and evaluated the esthetic and functional outcomes post-operatively. From July 2020 to June 2023, 13 patients with soft tissue defects in Oral and Maxillary Area were repaired with tvascular forearm dermal fat flap. There were 8 males and 5 females, aged from 42-71 years. The flaps ranged from 8 cm×7 cm to 7 cm×5 cm in size. The donor site defects were covered by local split-thickness skin graft from the in situ skins. The color matching degree, surgical scars, ranges of wrist movement and hand sensations in donor forearms were assessed at 6 months after surgery. Results:The tvascular forearm dermal fat flaps for 15 cases all survived. All the local split-thickness skin grafts transplanted with this technique showed primary healing. The follow-up period for 6 months, Donor site exhibited suitabler color matching and there was not severe complications. Conclusion:The vascularized dermal fat flap provides an alternative to conventional forearm flap harvest, which enables primary donor site closure with reduced rates of delayed donor site healing. The vascularized dermal fat flap is a relatively reliable repair method for soft defects in Oral and Maxillary Area.

Early Detection of Vascular Obstruction in Microvascular Flaps using Thermographic Camera.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early detection of vascular obstruction in microvascular flaps using a thermographic camera. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Plastic Surgery, Jinnah Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, Pakistan, from July to December 2023. METHODOLOGY: Microvascular flaps with cutaneous islands were monitored postoperatively with a thermographic camera in addition to conventional clinical methods. The decision to re-explore was based on conventional methods, and confirmation was achieved through intraoperative findings of vascular obstruction during re-exploration. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients who underwent microvascular surgery were monitored postoperatively with a thermographic camera. There were 20 (64.5%) anterolateral thigh flaps, 4 (12.9%) radial forearm flaps, 3 (9.7%) scapular-parascapular flaps, 1 (3.2%) medial plantar flap, 1 (3.2%) myocutaneous gracilis flap, 1 (3.2%) latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, and 1 (3.2%) chimeric adductor longus and gracilis flap. Three (9.7%) flaps developed postoperative vascular obstruction. The thermographic camera detected complications two to four hours earlier than conventional methods, with a statistically significant difference (p >0.109). CONCLUSION: A thermographic camera is a valuable, non-invasive, and simple tool for monitoring microvascular flaps. It can detect complications several hours earlier and has the potential to be a practice-changing modality. KEY WORDS: Microvascular flaps, Thermographic camera, Vascular obstruction.

[Accurate repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects with ulnar artery flap].

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of the clinical application of ulnar artery flap in the repair of oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects. Methods: The clinical data of 12 patients with oral and maxillofacial defects repaired with ulnar artery flap between June 2021 and July 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 11 cases were male and 1 case was female; their ages ranged from 28 to 76 years, with a mean age of 54.8 years. The lesions were located in the lateral margin of the tongue in 3 cases, the root of the tongue in 2 cases, the base of the tongue in 4 cases, and the buccal region, upper gingiva, and lower lip in 1 case each. The pathological types were squamous cell carcinoma in 11 cases and adenoid cystic carcinoma in 1 case; according to the TNM staging of the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), there were 5 cases of T 3N 0M 0, 2 cases of T 3N 1M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 0M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 1M 0, 1 case of T 4aN 2bM 0, and 2 cases of T 4aN 2cM 0. After complete resection of the lesion, the defect ranged from 6 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×5 cm. Preoperatively, colour Doppler ultrasound was used to detect the non-dominant forearm, measure the thickness of the subcutaneous fat in the donor area, confirm and mark the ulnar artery and reflux vein, and measure the diameter of the vessels, flow velocity, and the perforator position; intraoperatively, the flap was designed, prepared, anastomosed, and positioned according to the corresponding data. The vessels were all anastommosed with one artery and two veins to form a super-reflux. After complete hemostasis, the defects were repaired with sliding flap (2 cases), direct suture (4 cases), biomembrane (2 cases), or razor thin skin graft (4 cases). Results: No vascular crisis occurred after operation, and all the flaps survived in 12 cases. Wounds in the donor site healed by first intention in 10 cases and by second intention in 2 cases. Wounds in the recipient site healed by first intention in all cases. All 12 patients were followed up 5-18 months, with an average of 11.4 months. The colour and texture of the flap were normal. The function of hand and upper limb was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function assessment of the Chinese Society of Hand Surgery of the Chinese Medical Association, and the score was 65-81 (mean, 71.3), and achieved excellent in 1 case and good in 11 cases. The score of Oral Health Impact Scale (OHIP) was 9-18, with an average of 14.2, and the oral function was satisfactory. During the follow-up, 1 case had local recurrence and underwent extended resection again, while the other patients had no recurrence or metastasis. Conclusion: For moderate soft tissue defects with complex oral and maxillofacial function, ulnar artery flap repair is effective.

[Clinical application of iliac myocutaneous flap pedicled with deep circumflex iliac artery in repair of complex defect of lower limb with cavity].

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of iliac myocutaneous flap pedicled with deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) on the repair of lower limb composite defect wounds with cavity. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 7 patients with lower limb composite defect wounds treated between March 2017 and September 2020 was conducted, including 4 males and 3 females, aged 24-58 years, with a median age of 37 years. The causes of injury were machine twisting injury in 2 cases, fall from height injury in 2 cases, and traffic accident injury in 3 cases. According to Gustilo-Anderson classification, there were 1 case of type Ⅲa, 4 cases of type Ⅲb, and 2 cases of type Ⅲc (combined with anterior tibial artery rupture); according to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 2 cases of type 42-C3, 2 cases of type 43-A2, and 3 cases of type 43-B1. The time from injury to admission ranged from 2 to 10 hours, with an average of 6 hours. Tibial bone defect and surrounding soft tissue defect with deep cavity were left after primary emergency debridement. In the second stage, according to the characteristics of the wound, the three-dimensional repair of the composite defect was designed with DCIA embedded iliac myocutaneous flap. The size of the iliac flap was 2.0 cm×2.0 cm×2.0 cm to 7.0 cm×3.0 cm×2.5 cm, and the size of the flap was 12.0 cm×8.0 cm to 21.0 cm×13.0 cm. The internal oblique muscle flap was harvested in size of 3.0 cm×2.0 cm×2.0 cm to 5.5 cm×4.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor site was primarily closed. Results: All the flaps survived after operation, except for 1 case of partial necrosis of the flap edge, which healed after secondary skin grafting, and the donor and recipient wounds healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 16-24 months, with an average of 18 months. The broken end of the bone defect healed well, and the healing time was 8-10 months, with an average of 7.3 months. At last follow-up, the shape of the flap was satisfactory, the texture was soft, and there was no abnormal hair growth, pigmentation, and so on. Only linear scar was left in the donor site, and no complication such as abdominal hernia occurred. According to Paley fracture healing scoring system, bone healing was rated as excellent in 5 cases and good in 2 cases. The limb function was satisfactory, and full weight bearing was achieved at 12-16 months after operation. According to the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), 6 cases were excellent and 1 case was good. Conclusion: The iliac myocutaneous flap pedicled with DCIA is flexible in design and highly free in tissue composition, which can repair the composite defect wound of lower limbs with deep cavity in a three-dimensional way, and repair the limb shape and reconstruct weight-bearing function to the greatest extent.

Evaluation of enteral and parenteral hyaluronic acid in induced ischemic skin flaps in rats: a double-blinded and randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate exogenous hyaluronic acid (HA) derived from bacterial fermentation through enteral and parenteral routes in ischemic skin flaps induced in rats, using clinical and histological exams; and interleukins (IL) as tissue inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: Sixty-four male adults Wistar rats with ischemic skin flaps on the dorsum were randomized into four groups, based on the treatment protocol: subcutaneous administration of saline solution (0.9%) (GI); oral administration of distilled water (GII); subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) (GIII); and oral administration of HA (1%) (GIV). Flaps of all groups were comparable regarding clinical and macroscopic evaluation, histological examination, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. RESULTS: A lower percentage of necrosis was identified in flaps treated with subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%). The pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, epidermis thickness, blood vessels, and inflammatory cells showed statistically significant inter-group and intra-group differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High molecular HA (1,400 ~ 2,000 kDa) administrated by subcutaneous or oral route exhibited beneficial effects in ischemic skin flaps of rats. However, subcutaneous administration of HA (0.3%) showed better results in terms of the percentage of necrosis and epithelialization.

The Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Patient Outcomes and Complications in Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is a known perioperative risk factor for complications such as delayed wound healing and infection. However, there is a gap in understanding how elevated BMI impacts outcomes after posttraumatic lower extremity (LE) microvascular reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed at a level 1 trauma center between 2007 and 2022 of patients who underwent posttraumatic microvascular LE reconstruction. Demographics, flap/wound details, complications, and outcomes were recorded. Patients were stratified into BMI Center for Disease Control categories. RESULTS: A total of 398 patients were included with an average BMI of 28.2 ± 5.8. Nearly half (45%) of LE defects were located in the distal third of the leg, 27.5% in the middle third, and 34.4% in the proximal third. Most reconstructions utilized muscle-containing flaps (74.4%) compared with fasciocutaneous flaps (16.8%). Surgical approaches included free flaps (47.6%) and local flaps (52.5%). Class III obese patients were significantly more likely to be nonambulatory than nonobese patients (OR: 4.10, 95% CI 1.10-15.2, p = 0.035). At final follow-up, 30.1% of patients with Class III obesity were ambulatory, requiring either wheelchairs (42.3%) or assistance devices (26.9%). There were no significant differences in complication rates based on obesity status (0.704). The average follow-up time for the entire cohort was 5.8 years. CONCLUSIONS: BMI is critical for patient care and surgical decision-making in LE reconstruction. Further research is warranted to optimize outcomes for higher BMI patients, thereby potentially reducing the burden of postoperative complications and enhancing overall patient recovery.

Vascularized Femoral Myo-Periosteal Graft for Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: A Case Report.

Pure vascularized periosteal transplants have been shown to be extremely effective at achieving rapid bone healing in children with biologically complex non-union. Free tibial and fibular periosteal transplants are generally indicated when large periosteal flaps are necessary. We report using a vascularized femoral myo-periosteal graft (VFMPG) to treat distal tibial osteotomy non-union in a six-year-old boy with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. The graft consisted of a 9 cm myo-periosteal flap (after 50% of elastic retraction) that incorporated the vastus intermedius muscle and diaphyseal femoral periosteum nourished by the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels. Plantaris medialis was used as a recipient vessel. Healing occurred 10 weeks after surgery. The patient resumed gait and sports activity without orthosis. No donor or recipient site complications occurred 17 months after surgery. Employing a VFMPG might be an alternative to other free or large vascularized periosteal flaps currently in use for complex pediatric non-unions.

Experimental study of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of random-pattern flap blood supply in the early postoperative stage in rats.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) could be used to reveal the status of blood supply of the superficial flap of rat model in the early postoperative stage. METHODS: One viable and one ischemic random-pattern flap were prepared on the left and right back of the same rat respectively with a number of 40. CEUS examinations were applied within 12 h and 7 days postoperatively, and the quantitative measurements of microvascular blood volume (BV) of the base and the end of both flaps were expressed using acoustic intensity as a ratio to that of the healthy skin. RESULTS: Within 12 h post operation, there was a smaller BV value of the ischemic ends than that of both the ischemic bases and viable ends (p < 0.001), while no difference was indicated between ischemic bases and viable bases or between viable bases and viable ends. The same result was provided 7 days post operation. CONCLUSION: Microcirculation of superficial tissues such as random-pattern flaps in this rat model can be assessed quantitatively by CEUS. It could sensitively and accurately reveal the objective status of tissue perfusion in the early postoperative stage.

State of Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction: Current and Future Directions.

Since its inception, microvascular free tissue transfer has broadened possibilities for oncologic ablation and restoration of form and function. Developments throughout recent decades have resulted in increasing flap success rates and complexity. Advances in technology and knowledge gained from past experiences will continue to improve surgical efficiency, flap success rates, and ultimately, patient outcomes.

Optimizing Lower Extremity Local Flap Reconstruction in Peripheral Vascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Local flaps remain a valuable reconstructive tool as a means for limb salvage for patients with advanced arterial disease. Our single-center, retrospective cohort study aims to compare the outcomes of different patterns of blood flow affected by vascular disease to pedicles in local flap reconstruction of the foot and ankle. METHODS: A retrospective review of 92 patients and 103 flaps was performed. On angiograms, pattern of blood flow to the flap pedicle was determined to be direct inline flow (DF) or indirect flow (IF). Patterns of IF were either by arterial-arterial connections (AC) or unnamed randomized collaterals (RC). Primary outcomes were immediate flap success and limb salvage. Comparative analyses were performed using the χ2 and Fisher tests for categorical variables. RESULTS: Among all flaps, 73.8% (n = 76/103) had DF and 26.2% (n = 27/103) had IF. Both groups experienced similar rates of immediate flap success (DF = 97.3% vs IF = 92.6%, P = 0.281) and limb salvage (DF = 75.% vs IF = 66.7%, P = 0.403). However, the rate of contralateral amputation was significantly higher in the IF group (26.9% vs 5.3%, P = 0.006). When comparing the 3 distinct patterns of blood flow (DF vs AC vs RC), pedicled flaps were more commonly supplied by DF and AC, while random pattern flaps were more commonly supplied by RC (P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Alternative routes of revascularization can maintain local flap viability and achieve similar rates of limb salvage but risks contralateral amputation. We found that pedicled and local muscle flaps require inline blood flow or blood supply by ACs. Meanwhile, random pattern flap can be supported by random collaterals.

Evaluation of the effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat isogenic and allogeneic muscle and skin transplant models.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a phenomenon that affects transplant survival. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of IRI in isogenic and allogeneic muscle and skin transplantation models exposed to prolonged warm ischemia. METHODS: Forty-eight Lewis rats and 16 Brown-Norway rats were used to create four groups: Isogenic Inguinal Flap Transplantation (IST), Isogenic Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap Transplantation (IMT), Allogeneic Inguinal Flap Transplantation (AST), and Allogeneic Gastrocnemius Muscle Flap Transplantation (AMT). Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were measured on postoperative days 1, 7, 21, 35, 63, 100, and 120 in all groups. Donor-specific chimerism (DSC) in peripheral blood was evaluated in the allogeneic groups on postoperative days 7, 21, 35, 63, 100, and 120. The microRNA-21 and microRNA-205 levels were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 7, and 120 in all groups. At the end of the study, a histopathological examination was performed. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of MDA and SOD levels. DSC was detected in the AMT group. A significant increase in microRNA-205 was observed, especially in the AMT group. There was no significant difference in the number of functional muscle units between the muscle transplantation groups. CONCLUSION: The presence of DSC in the AMT group and the lack of a significant difference in the number of functional muscle units in the IMT and AMT groups are noteworthy findings.

Prognostic Prediction of Multiterritory Flap: A Preliminary Clinical Study on the Classification of Priority Developing Artery and Arterial Anastomosis Utilizing Indocyanine Green Angiography.

BACKGROUND: Congestion and necrosis are frequent complications in multiterritory flaps. Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) is a commonly utilized tool for evaluating blood flow and perforator location within the flap; however, there is currently no existing research investigating its potential to predict flap prognosis before surgery. METHODS: The forehead skin of 50 surgical patients was assessed using preoperative ICGA, enabling observation and classification of the priority developing artery and arterial anastomosis among adjacent arterial perfusion territories during the arterial phase. Subsequently, 5 clinical cases of forehead flap transfer were studied to validate the classification method. RESULTS: First, the priority developing artery can be classified into 4 types and 5 subtypes, encompassing type Ⅰa: Bilateral ST-As equalization type (9/50), type Ⅰb: unilateral ST-A dominance type (11/50), type II: SOT-As dominance type (14/50), type III: unilateral ST-A plus SOT-A dominance type (6/50), and type IV: bilateral ST-As plus SOT-As equilibrium type (10/50). Second, arterial anastomosis can be divided into 5 types: type I: complete choke anastomosis type (13/50), type II: complete true anastomosis type (7/50), type III: central choke anastomosis type (10/50), type IV: bilateral choke anastomosis type (8/50), and type V: unilateral choke anastomosis type (12/50). Finally, the clinical flap outcomes showed that the ICGA classification could serve as a good prognostic indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The hemodynamic classification of priority developing artery and arterial anastomosis employed by ICGA has the potential to predict flap prognosis and offer valuable insights for preoperative design and perioperative treatment strategies. More sample size is needed to optimize and validate this classification.