Comparative Study of the Morphological Characteristics of Perforators of the Transverse and Descending Branches of the Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery in Anterolateral Thigh Flap Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) is a kind of lateral thigh flap that uses branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) as the vessel pedicle and is widely used in plastic surgery. During classic ALTF surgery, some perforators from the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA-db) are hard to harvest due to their anatomical variants and individual differences; thus, it is necessary to design an appropriate alternative surgical plan. The transverse branch of the LCFA (LCFA-tb) has unique advantages and can be a potential complement to ALTF vascular pedicle selection. The aim of this study was to compare the difference in morphology between LCFA-db and LCFA-tb, and to verify the feasibility and clinical effect of ALTF with LCFA-tb as the source artery. METHODS: The morphological and clinical data of patients who underwent wound repair of the extremities with the ALTF pedicled with the LCFA-tb and LCFA-db were retrospectively analyzed. This study consisted of the clinical data of 62 patients who accepted an ALTF pedicled with LCFA-tb, and 45 patients accepted an ALTF pedicled with LCFA-db. RESULTS: A total of 68 cutaneous perforators originating from the LCFA-tb were found in the surgical field, of which 35 perforators were direct cutaneous perforators (51.5%), 28 perforators were septocutaneous perforators (41.2%), and 5 perforators were musculocutaneous perforators (7.3%). Seventy-four cutaneous perforators were found in the LCFA-db group. The proportions of septocutaneous perforators and musculocutaneous perforators were 23% and 77%, respectively, and the number of direct cutaneous perforators was 0. The harvest time of flaps pedicled with LCFA-tb was remarkably shortened. Regarding prognosis, there were no significant differences between the curative effects of the 2 types of flaps. CONCLUSIONS: This study verified that most LCFA-tb perforators are direct cutaneous perforators and that the piercing-in positions of LCFA-tb perforators on superficial fascia were higher than those of LCFA-db perforators. Furthermore, the ALTF pedicled with LCFA-tb can provide satisfactory soft tissue reconstruction and can be used as a useful supplement to the traditional flap design.

High-frequency ultrasound-assisted perforator mapping enhances efficiency in microsurgical reconstruction using thin ALT and SCIP flaps.

BACKGROUND: With the growing demand for the use of thin perforator flaps, obtaining knowledge on the superficial anatomy of perforators is imperative for stable flap elevation. Conventional modalities for perforator mapping fall short in providing such information. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), known for visualizing the superficially located anatomic structures, may potentially fill this void. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HFUS in the outcome of anterolateral thigh (ALT) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap-based reconstructions. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent free ALT or SCIP flap-based reconstruction from January 2021 to November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Perforator mapping was conducted using a handheld Doppler during the first year, while HFUS was used in the latter part. The two techniques were compared in terms of flap harvesting time and perfusion-related complication rates while considering the flap elevation plane. RESULTS: In total, 123 cases were analyzed, including 82 ALT flaps (41 in each group) and 41 SCIP flaps (16 in the Doppler and 25 in the HFUS group). The time required for flap elevation exhibited a tendency to decrease in the HFUS group, with a significant difference observed in cases involving thin flap elevation (super-thin ALT flaps and pure-skin-perforator SCIP flaps). Compared with the Doppler group, the HFUS group demonstrated significantly lower rates of PRCs, particularly partial flap necrosis. This difference remained significant in multivariable analyses. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HFUS might be an appealing modality for perforator mapping in cases requiring thin ALT and SCIP flap.

Turbocharging as a strategy to boost extended perforator flap vascularity in head and neck reconstruction-A report of two cases.

Perforator flap has been applied as the most common flap for soft tissue defect reconstruction. Here, we presented two cases using turbocharging procedure of perforator to perforator as a salvage strategy. The first case was a 54-year-old male with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the left buccal area and mouth floor. A 6 × 22 cm posteromedial thigh (PMT) flap was designed for reconstruction. The two eccentric perforators of the PMT flap could not conjoin together during dissection nearby the main pedicle of profunda femoral artery (PFA) resulting in inadequate perfusion. Side branched stump before clipped the branch of distal perforator was preserved, then the proximal perforator was divided and end-to-end anastomosis of side branch of distal perforator was done successfully. The second case was a 52-year-old male underwent wide composite excision of right tongue SCC. After excision, anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap around 7 × 15 cm was harvested from left thigh and two perforators were included which one tiny perforator supplied by the descending branch (DB) and the other major perforator originated from oblique branch (OB) of lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). However, the OB main perforator injury showed inadequate perfusion of flap. We trimmed the injury zone of OB perforator, and shift to re-anastomosis of OB perforators to side branch of DB of LCFA directly. The flap demonstrated excellent perfusion immediately after the operation, and it exhibited complete survival 2 weeks postoperatively. These results indicated that the turbocharging procedure, from perforator to perforator, could serve as a strategy for salvaging perfusion-compromised flaps, especially in cases of eccentric perforators or perforator injury resulting in inadequate perfusion.

Pushing boundaries: Anterolateral thigh free flaps for extensive scalp defects beyond previous limits, leveraging imaging modalities with ultrasound and indocyanine green.

BACKGROUND: Scalp defect reconstruction poses considerable challenges, with ongoing debates regarding the most effective strategies. While the latissimus dorsi (LD) flap has traditionally been favored, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been well described as a versatile alternative for addressing extensive scalp defects. This study underscores the success of scalp reconstruction using ALT flaps, notably pushing the boundaries of previously reported flap sizes. Our approach leverages the use of indocyanine green (ICG) perfusion to guide precise preoperative planning and vascular modification, contributing to improved outcomes in challenging cases. METHODS: We performed 43 ALT flap reconstructions for scalp defects between 2016 and 2023. We collected patients' demographic and clinical data and evaluated flap size and recipient vessels and additional surgical techniques. Detailed preoperative plans with ultrasound and ICG use for intraoperative plans were performed to find perforators location. The cohort was divided into two, with or without complications on flaps, and analyzed depending on its surgical details. RESULTS: This study involved 38 patients with extensive scalp defects (mean age: 69.4 ± 11 years) who underwent ALT perforator flap transfers (mean flap size: 230.88 ± 145.6 cm2). There was only one case of unsuccessful flap transfer, and four cases had a few complications. The characteristics of the complication group included a large flap size (303.1 ± 170.9 vs. 214.9 ± 136.6 cm2, P = .211), few perforator numbers without pedicle manipulation, lack of intraoperative indocyanine green administration (75% vs. 25%, P = .607), and the use of superficial temporal vessels as recipient vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Scalp reconstruction using large ALT free flaps with the aid of imaging modalities facilitates the optimization of surgical techniques, such as pedicle manipulation, perforator numbers, and vein considerations, thereby contributing to successful reconstruction.

Split Anterolateral Thigh Flap: A New Classification of Anatomical Variants and a Surgical Planning Algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Split anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile reconstruction option, yet long underestimated as no practical perforator classification and no optimal strategy were present. Harvesting "capillary nonsizable perforators" could potentially expand flap splits to those with no existing multiple sizable perforators. Concerns over defect characteristics, recipient vessels, pedicle length, and split timing should all be weighted equally in designing the suitable flap. Refinement is thus required to enable precise reconstructions. METHODS: All patients undergoing anterolateral thigh flap harvests between 2014 and 2021 performed by a single surgeon were included. The perforator patterns of sizable pedicle, course, origin, and further successful flap-split methods were documented. Surgical outcome of flap survival was analyzed. RESULTS: Anatomical variants of 134 (48.4%) dual, 123 (44.4%) single, and 20 (7.2%) no sizable perforators were found in a total of 277 anterolateral thigh flaps. The overall flap survival rate was 97.5%. Flap split was performed in 82 flaps, including 29 single and 5 no sizable perforator cases previously considered "unsplittable," by utilizing a series of direct skin paddle split, capillary nonsizable perforators harvesting, and flow-through anastomosis technique. Comparable flap survivals were found between split and nonsplit flaps as well as between split segments supplied by sizable and capillary nonsizable perforators. Primary closure was achieved in 98.9% of the thigh donor sites. CONCLUSION: A new classification of the common anterolateral thigh flap anatomical variants was proposed and a comprehensive algorithm of split flap strategy was developed along with the innovative "fabricate" concept.

Aesthetic Implications of Bilateral Profunda Artery Perforator Flaps on Thigh and Buttock Proportions.

BACKGROUND: The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap has emerged as an excellent secondary option for autologous breast reconstruction. Despite the increased acceptance, potential secondary benefits concerning aesthetic proportions of proximal thigh and buttock at the donor site have never been systematically investigated. METHODS: A retrospective review of 151 patients who underwent breast reconstruction with horizontally designed PAP flaps (292 flaps) from 2012 to 2020 was performed. Patient characteristics, complications, and numbers of revision surgeries were collected. In bilateral reconstructions, pre- and postoperative standardized patient photographs were analyzed to identify postoperative changes in proximal thigh and buttock contour. The patients' own perception of postoperative aesthetic changes was determined by an electronic survey. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 51 and a mean body mass index of 26.3 kg/m2. The most common complications were minor and major wound complications affecting 35.1% of patients, followed by cellulitis (12.6%), seroma (7.9%), and hematoma (4.0%). A total of 38 patients (25.2%) underwent revision of the donor site. After reconstruction, patients were found to have aesthetically improved proximal thigh and buttock proportions, indicated by a wider thigh gap (thigh gap-hip ratio: 0.05 ± 0.04 vs. 0.13 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001) and reduction in lateral thigh-to-buttock ratio (0.85 ± 0.05 vs. 0.76 ± 0.05, p < 0.0001). Among the 85 patients who responded to the survey (56.3% response rate), 70.6% felt that PAP surgery had aesthetically either improved their thigh contour (54.12%) or not changed it (16.47%), whereas only 29.4% reported that the surgery negatively impacted their thigh contour. CONCLUSION: PAP flap breast reconstruction leads to improved aesthetic proportions of the proximal thigh and buttock. This approach is ideal for patients with ptotic tissue of the inferior buttocks and medial thigh, a poorly defined infragluteal fold, and inadequate anterior-posterior buttock projection.

Preoperative estimation of vertical profunda artery perforator flap weight using computed tomography angiography for breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The vertical profunda artery perforator (v-PAP) flap is limited in terms of the tissue volume that can be harvested but is a suitable graft for Japanese patients with relatively small breast sizes. The objectives of this study were to identify the parameter most closely correlated with v-PAP flap weight on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images and to create an easy-to-use v-PAP flap weight estimation formula by linear regression analysis using the identified parameter. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty v-PAP flaps in 25 patients who underwent breast reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. Mean age was 46.1 (range: 32-73) years, and mean BMI was 20.0 (range: 15.3-23.6) kg/m2 . On a CT horizontal section of the thigh taken at level of the center of the long axis of the flap, the following parameters were measured from the anterior margin of the gracilis muscle to the posterior margin of the semimembranosus muscle using image processing software: fat area, fat thickness, thigh circumference, and skin paddle area. Linear regression analysis was then performed with the weight of the harvested v-PAP flap as the objective variable and the above parameters as explanatory variables to predict skin flap weight. RESULTS: Correlations with v-PAP flap weight of each parameter were as follows: r = 0.66 (p < .0001) for fat thickness, r = 0.32 (p = .081) for total thigh area, r = 0.36 (p = .054) for thigh circumference, r = 0.27 (p = .153) for skin paddle area, and r = 0.84 (p < .0001) for fat area. Thus, the fat area had the strongest correlation with v-PAP flap weight. The v-PAP flap weight estimation formula obtained by linear regression analysis including fat area was as follows: 7.3 × fat area + 114 (coefficient of determination: R2  = 0.70, p < .0001, RMSE = 24). The engraftment rate of the 30 v-PAP flaps was 100%. One patient developed postoperative venous thrombosis at the vascular anastomosis site, but underwent successful microsurgical revision, leading to flap salvage. During the >6-month follow-up period, there were no notable complications in the reconstructed breasts and donor sites. CONCLUSIONS: The v-PAP flap weight estimation formula we developed in this study showed a high correlation with measured values, allowing for easy estimation using only a single CTA horizontal section of the thigh.

The use of vertical postero-medial thigh flap as lymphatic flow-through flap for upper thigh defect reconstruction and lymphatic sequelae prevention in sarcoma surgery: A case report.

Among the various histologic subpopulations of soft tissue sarcomas, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is one of the most common subtypes in the adult population. Radical surgery remains the primary treatment for UPS, associated with postsurgical radiotherapy or chemotherapy. We herein report the case of a 65-year-old man presenting a recurrent UPS in his right upper thigh region. The patient received radical resection of the tumor and the remaining defect measured ~22 cm × 18 cm. A soft tissue functional reconstruction with lymphatic-flow-through pedicled postero-medial thigh flap (PMT) was planned. A 24 cm × 16 cm flap was harvested in vertical fashion (vPMT), carefully preserving a superficial vein for the following lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) at recipient site. The flap was then rotated and transferred to the defect area through a tunnel under the adductor longus muscle, and LVA was then performed between flap's additional venous pedicle and a nearby leaking lymphatic vessel. The postoperative course was uneventful and at 12 months follow-up no complications were encountered. No signs of lymphedema were reported. When dealing with the groin and upper thigh area, which is notably rich in lymphatic tissue, the possibility of prophylactically re-route lymphatic fluid into the venous system by means of microsurgical anastomosis, lays in the thrilling possibility to prevent secondary lymphedema, instead of curing it. With the described technique, we achieved optimal functional and esthetic outcomes setting at zero both donor and recipient sites morbidity.

Cadaveric Study for Safe Elevation of a Profunda Artery Perforator Flap: Anatomy of the Perforators and Obturator Nerves.

BACKGROUND: This cadaveric study aimed to describe the anatomy of the profunda artery perforators (PAPs). METHODS: In total, nine free cadavers with 18 upper thighs were dissected, 12 of which were from female cadavers, and 6 were from male cadavers. The average age of the cadavers was 84.7 ± 4.2 years. Dissection was performed to evaluate the anatomic position and characteristics of the femoral PAPs. The perforator distance from the gluteal sulcus, number of perforators, perforating muscles, diameter of the perforators, origin of the perforators, and number of nerves passing above and below the perforators were determined. RESULTS: The average number of perforators that penetrate the adductor magnus muscle was 2.5. The average distance from the origin of the perforators to the gluteal sulcus was 71.72 ± 28.23 mm. The average numbers of the obturator nerves passing above and below the perforator in the adductor magnus muscle were 1.3 (range, 0-4) and 0.7 (range, 0-2), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results provide a detailed anatomic basis for the PAP flap. The perforators of a PAP flap may be included in a flap with a transverse design. Sacrificing the small obturator nerves during dissection may not lead to significant donor site morbidity.

From Esthetic Medicine to Optimizing Reconstructive Outcome: A Feasibility Trial on Secondary Refinement of Fasciocutaneous Anterolateral Thigh Flaps with Cryolipolysis.

BACKGROUND: Free adipocutaneous anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps have evolved as workhorse flaps to reconstruct complex, multicompound defects. While coverage is safely achieved, flaps may remain bulky. As a standard of care, flaps are refined with liposuction, partial excision, or combination of both. Cryolipolysis is widely used for fat reduction in esthetic medicine. This pilot comparative study analyses whether cryolipolysis may serve as a safe alternative method to effectively reduce volume in fasciocutaneous flaps. Moreover, patients' satisfaction with the procedure is evaluated. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective, interventional comparative cohort study, 10 patients with free subfascial ALT flaps for distal extremity reconstruction underwent cryolipolysis (60 minutes, -9°C). Circumference of the extremities and subcutaneous fat thickness were determined before (T1) and 12 weeks (T2) after cryolipolysis. Patient satisfaction was evaluated with a questionnaire of Likert's scale questions. Duration of hospital stay, intervention time, costs, and possible complications were analyzed and compared with surgical flap contouring (n = 12). RESULTS: All patients undergoing cryolipolysis were male, with a median age of 52 years without arterial disease-like state or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At T2, a significant reduction of circumference of 1.8 ± 0.9 cm (p < 0.001) and subcutaneous fat layer of 7.7 ± 3.0 mm (p < 0.0001) was recorded. Overall, 90% of the patients were satisfied with the result. Cryolipolysis was well tolerated. One patient developed a second-degree frostbite which healed without further intervention. Cryolipolysis proofed to be as safe as surgical flap contouring. Hospital stay was significantly shorter (p < 0.01) and personal resources were spared when flap contouring was performed with cryolipolysis. CONCLUSION: This is a novel application of evolving body-contouring cryolipolysis from esthetic medicine into optimizing outcomes in reconstructive surgery. Cryolipolysis has been shown to be relatively safe and effective to reduce ALT's volume with high patients' satisfaction. This successful pilot study encourages further investigation with a prospective randomized control trial.

A Novel Clinically Based Classification System for the Profunda Femoris Artery and the Circumflex Femoral Arteries.

BACKGROUND: The profunda femoris artery (PFA) supplies important collateral branches to both the ipsilateral internal iliac artery and the distal superficial femoral artery (SFA). The size and patency of these collateral pathways can determine the risk of pelvic malperfusion, spinal cord ischemia, and lower extremity limb loss following vascular interventions. Despite its importance, the anatomy of the PFA is rarely characterized in clinical studies involving the pelvic or lower extremity circulation. This discussion may be limited by the lack of a comprehensive classification system. Our objective was to describe the most common PFA anatomic variants and present a classification system based on its branching patterns. METHODS: We dissected 155 fixed and nonfixed femoral artery systems from 88 cadavers. Seventy-seven female and 78 male femoral exposures were performed. Vessel diameters, branch configurations, and relative distances between the inguinal ligament, PFA, lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA), and medial circumflex femoral artery (MCFA) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean diameters of the common femoral artery, SFA, and PFA were 10.3 mm, 8.0 mm, and 6.9 mm in males and 8.9 mm, 6.9 mm, and 6.1 mm in females, respectively (P < 0.05). The mean distances from the inguinal ligament for PFA, MCFA, and LCFA were 41 mm, 41.7 mm, and 52.5 mm, respectively. No significant differences were noted relative to laterality or fixation. We developed a clinically applicable classification system based on the orientation of the PFA, LCFA, and MCFA. Six PFA, 5 LCFA, and 5 MCFA variations were identified and ranked by frequency. The 5 most common combinations accounted for 56.1% of our cadaver series. CONCLUSIONS: The anatomic orientation of the PFA and its branches is highly variable. We propose a novel classification system of this rich collateral system to facilitate consistent communication in academic and clinical vascular surgery.

Salvage of Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection in the Distal Thigh Using Free Latissimus Dorsi Musculocutaneous Flap: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Prosthetic vascular graft infection (PVGI) in the distal thigh is a rare wound; thus, little is known about which muscle flaps are the most useful and cause less lower extremity morbidity in such cases. Moreover, very few reliable muscle flaps are available around the distal thigh. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 72-year-old woman suffering from a distal thigh wound with PVGI. The graft was successfully preserved after coverage with a free latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous (LDM) flap. CONCLUSIONS: The free LDM flap procedure is more challenging than local muscle flaps; however, a free LDM flap can be a feasible option for a distal thigh wound with PVGI with the advantage of the maintenance of walking capability by preserving the lower-limb muscles.

Perforators of the Anteromedial Thigh Skin and Possible Design of the Anteromedial Thigh Flap: A Cadaveric Study.

BACKGROUND: Specific perforator-based flaps are a new era in plastic reconstruction. They have replaced many of the traditional paradigms in plastic surgery. The anteromedial thigh flap is a versatile flap that can be used as a primary choice for many reconstructive purposes or as a secondary choice for the anterolateral thigh flap. Mapping the vascular territory of anteromedial thigh is essential for the proper design of the flap. AIM OF THE WORK: The aim of this work was to study the cutaneous perforators of the anteromedial thigh and explain their significance in flap design. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The material of this study included 30 fresh cadaveric lower limbs. The external iliac artery was injected with colored latex. Superficial and deep dissections were undertaken under a magnifying lens to locate the perforators and identify their type. The length and diameter of the perforators were measured. RESULTS: Anteromedial thigh skin was divided into 6 squares. Squares 1 and 4 are the upper squares and comprise the skin over the upper medial thigh. It is primarily based on the superficial external pudendal artery, deep external pudendal artery, and superficial circumflex femoral artery. Squares 2 and 5 are the middle squares and were mainly supplied by perforators of the superficial femoral artery. Squares 3 and 6 are the lower squares and were mainly supplied by the saphenous artery and superficial femoral artery. The possible flap designs are then discussed. CONCLUSION: The anteromedial thigh skin is richly supplied by a mixture of perforators from multiple sources. The segmental nature of the perforators arising from the superficial external pudendal artery, deep external pudendal artery, superficial femoral artery, and saphenous artery together with the long course and large diameter of perforators grant the anteromedial thigh flap its versatility.

Anterolateral thigh flap for upper extremity reconstruction in older patients.

BACKGROUND: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been used in upper extremity reconstruction. However, there is no consensus about the age at which the flap can be used safely, which is a concern when applying ALT flaps for upper extremity reconstruction in older patients. We present the results of the use of ALT flap for upper extremity reconstruction in a series of older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients who underwent ALT flaps for soft tissue defects in the upper extremities from 2010 to 2020 were included. The patients' mean age was 63.5 (range, 26-83) years. Ten of seventeen patients were smokers. Defect locations were the dorsum of the hand in seven patients, palm in two patients, dorsum and palm in two patients, and forearm in six patients. Etiologies of the defect were traumatic in 14 patients and malignant tumor in three patients. The defect size was 8 to 25 × 5 to 11 cm. When dissecting the perforators, we preserved the surrounding small muscular and fatty tissue with the perforators and to harvest them together to prevent intima damage. Flap thinning was performed for 16 flaps to adjust the flap thickness to match defect site requirements. We used an end-to-side or interposition arterial anastomosis to regulate the blood flow. RESULTS: The flap size was 9 to 28 × 5 to 13 cm. One patient had venous congestion and vein re-anastomosis was needed. All flaps survived. One patient had a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and debridement and irrigation was needed. The mean follow-up period was 20 (range, 13-37) months. Fifteen patients returned their previous activities. The mean DASH score was 30.6 (range, 3-70). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of patient age or smoking status, the ALT flap was a safe and reliable surgical option for soft tissue defect reconstruction of the upper extremity.

Use of the Vertical Profunda Artery Perforator Flap to Capture the Dominant Perforator: A Cadaver Dissection and Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND: While the originally described transverse profunda artery perforator (tPAP) flap is designed to capture the first profunda perforator, our group hypothesized the dominant perforator may not always be captured in this configuration. This study maps the location of dominant profunda perforators using imaging and cadaveric dissections to determine the probability of capturing dominant perforators with the transverse flap design versus the vertical PAP (vPAP) variant. METHODS: Fifty preoperative magnetic resonance angiogram or computed tomographic angiogram scans (100 total extremities) were examined from autologous breast reconstruction patients between 2015 and 2019. Profunda perforator characteristics that were examined included the distance from the pubic tubercle to the infragluteal fold (IGF), the distance of the perforators from the IGF, distance posterior to the gracilis, the diameter of the perforator at fascial exit, and total number of perforators present. Profunda perforator dissection was performed in 18 cadaveric extremities. Analysis included mean distance from pubic tubercle, distance posterior to the gracilis, diameter at fascial exit, and total number of perforators. RESULTS: In imaging analysis, the mean distance from the IGF to the fascial exit of all dominant perforators was 7.04 cm. The mean diameter of the dominant perforator at the fascial exit was 2.61 mm. Twenty-six thighs (26%) demonstrated dominant perforators that exited the fascia greater than 8 cm below the IGF. In cadaver dissections, the mean distance from the pubic tubercle to the fascial exit of all the dominant perforators was 10.17 cm. Nine cadaver specimens (50%) demonstrated perforators that exited the fascia greater than 8 cm below the estimated IGF. CONCLUSION: The dominant perforator can often be missed in the traditional tPAP design. The vPAP incorporates multiple perforators with a long pedicle, excellent vessel diameter, and favorable donor-site.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography for ALT Flaps Optimizes Design and Reduces Operative Time.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been widely used for perforator mapping in abdominal-based reconstruction, but it is less widespread in the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, CTA may be quite useful for ALT planning, as this flap has demonstrated substantial variability in intrapatient bilateral vascular anatomy. This study investigated whether standard use of preoperative CTA resulted in selection of the donor extremity with preferential perforator anatomy, and whether this affected operative time and postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review of 105 patients who underwent proposed ALT flap reconstruction was performed. Seventy-nine patients received bilateral lower extremity CTAs, which were evaluated for dominant perforator anatomy (septocutaneous, musculoseptocutaneous, or musculocutaneous). Donor extremity selection was noted, and predicted perforator anatomy was compared with that encountered intraoperatively. RESULTS: Among the 73 patients who received bilateral imaging and ultimately received an ALT, congruent findings between imaging and surgical exploration were observed in 51 (69.8%) patients. Thirty (37.9%) patients had asymmetric perforator anatomy between their bilateral extremities on imaging. Among these, the leg with optimal perforator anatomy was selected in 70% of cases. There were no significant reductions among postoperative complication rates, but selection of the donor site with preferential anatomy was associated with a decrease in operative time (p = 0.049) among patients undergoing extremity reconstruction. CONCLUSION: CTA is a useful tool for optimizing donor site selection for ALT flaps and reducing operative time. We believe that standard use of preoperative CTA in ALTs warrants further consideration.

A rare bifurcation of the external iliac artery into femoral and deep femoral arteries.

PURPOSE: The current cadaveric report describes a quite rare unilateral bifurcation of the external iliac artery (EIA) into two femoral arteries (FAs) of almost equal diameter and parallel course, at the level of the inguinal ligament (IL). METHODS: The variant FAs were identified on a 75-year-old formalin-embalmed female cadaver, derived from a body donation program after a signed informed consent. RESULTS: The EIA bifurcated into a FA and a deep femoral artery (DFA). The DFA extremely high origin was identified at the IL level. Both lateral and medial circumflex femoral arteries originated from the DFA. CONCLUSION: The in-depth knowledge of the FA variant origin is of paramount importance to vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists during vessel catheterization and attempts to interpret the angiographic findings. In particular, the DFA's high origin from the EIA and the coexistence of two FAs in a parallel course may pose problems to clinicians during angiographic procedures leading to diagnostic errors. The DFA high origin may also complicate femoral arterial and venous puncture and femoral nerve blocks, due to the close neurovascular relationship. There is a possibility for the FA to be mistaken for a vein leading to accidental intra-arterial injection and consequently thrombosis. Thus, variable arterial pattern is important to be identified preoperatively using Doppler ultrasound imaging.

The proximal vastus lateralis flap: An anatomical and radiological study.

INTRODUCTION: Soft-tissue reconstruction following acetabular or proximal femur resection for bone tumors is challenging. The vastus lateralis flap has been proposed as an advancement or rotational flap to cover soft-tissue defects for such locoregional indications. We performed an anatomical and a radiological study to assess the vascularization of the proximal vastus lateralis muscle achieved through the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery in order to decrease the morbidity of the classical flap retrieval technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five fresh adult cadavers were dissected bilaterally. Each vastus lateralis dissection was prealably injected with contrast-media agent through the lateral circumflex artery and CT scan images was recorded. A descriptive and an analytical study were carried out. RESULTS: The median length and width of the entire muscle were 31.2cm (Q1-Q3: 29.7-33.3) and 12.7cm (Q1-Q3: 7.0-14.9), respectively; the median surface area of the entire vastus lateralis muscle was 282cm2 (Q1-Q3: 172.6-455.6) cm2. The median length and width of the perfused area were 13.3cm (Q1-Q3: 12.3-16.6) and 9.4cm (Q1-Q3: 6.9-8.8) cm, respectively; the median surface of the perfused area was 89.4cm2 (Q1-Q3: 67.4-110.5) cm2. The mean length of the pedicle measured on the CT scan was 6.3cm (95% CI: 5.5-7.1). CONCLUSION: The proximal vastus lateralis flap as a pedicled muscular flap supplied by the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery is a muscular flap that can be used by reconstructive and orthopaedic surgeons to repair soft-tissue defects around the hip joint without undue damage to the functional apparatus of the knee.

Polidocanol Plus Glucose Versus Glucose Alone for the Treatment of Telangiectasias: Triple Blind, Randomised Controlled Trial (PG3T).

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of two sclerosing agents used to treat telangiectasias in the lower limbs: 0.2% polidocanol + 70% hypertonic glucose (HG) vs. 75% HG alone. METHODS: A prospective, randomised, triple blind, controlled, parallel group trial with patients randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio between January and December 2015, with a two month follow up, from a single academic medical centre in Brazil, was carried out. Participants were women aged 18-65 years with telangiectasias on the lateral aspect of one thigh, classified as C1EpAsPn who underwent sclerotherapy in a single session with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG or 75% HG alone to treat the telangiectasias on an area limited by a rectangular template. The primary effectiveness endpoint was elimination of 75% of the telangiectasias within 60 days vs. the pre-treatment pattern. The length of vessels was measured on images obtained before and after treatment using ImageJ software. Safety outcomes were analysed immediately, 7 days, and 60 days after the treatment, and included pigmentation. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were included, 98 of whom completed the study. Sclerotherapy with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG was significantly more effective than with 75% HG alone to treat telangiectasias in the target area (82.2% vs. 63.9%; p < .001); considering a minimum improvement of 75%, there was a 0.49 risk reduction (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.98; p = .047). No severe adverse events occurred in either group. Pigmentation was the most common minor adverse event and was significantly shorter in length in the group treated with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG (median 0 cm vs. 0.5 cm, respectively; p = .033). CONCLUSION: Polidocanol 0.2% plus 70% HG had better results than 75% HG alone in sclerosing telangiectasias. No severe adverse events occurred. Pigmentation occurred in both groups and was shorter in length in the group treated with 0.2% polidocanol + 70% HG.

Iatrogenic Interval Gangrene of the Thigh.

Interval gangrene of the thigh is an extremely rare complication in vascular surgery. Most cases have reported interval gangrene of the calf as a consequence of a distal bypass procedure, with little documentation of interval thigh gangrene occurring after endovascular intervention. The present case suggests that in the process of placing multiple-level covered and bare metal stents in the iliac, superficial femoral, and popliteal arteries, interval gangrene of the thigh must be considered as a potential, albeit rare, complication. Preservation of pelvic and profunda femoris flow to the thigh is imperative to prevent the development of interval tissue loss. This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining profunda femoris circulation, especially in patients with significant vascular comorbidities. Patient consent was obtained for details of the case to be used for publication.