Right gastroepiploic artery versus right internal thoracic artery composite grafts: 10-year patency and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: We compared the 10-year graft occlusion rates and long-term clinical outcomes of right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA) composite grafts with those of right internal thoracic artery (RITA) composite grafts. METHODS: From 2000 to 2008, 548 patients had undergone total arterial revascularization for multivessel coronary artery disease using the RGEA (RGEA group; n = 389) or RITA (RITA group; n = 159) as a second-limb Y-composite graft based on the in situ left ITA. A propensity score-matched analysis was used to match the RGEA group (n = 152) with the RITA group (n = 152). The 10-year angiographic occlusion rates and long-term clinical outcomes were compared. The follow-up data were complete for all 304 patients (100%) with a median follow-up of 143.7 months. RESULTS: The early clinical outcomes were similar between the matched groups. The overall graft occlusion rate was 9.5% at 10 years in the matched group patients (matched RGEA and RITA groups, 10.3% and 8.4%, respectively; P = .639). The 10-year occlusion rates of the second-limb conduits showed no differences between the matched RGEA and RITA groups (14.1% and 10.2%, respectively; P = .487). No statistically significant differences were found at 15 years postoperatively in the overall survival (52.9% vs 49.4%; P = .470), cardiac mortality-free survival (92.1% vs 90.9%; P = .560), freedom from target vessel revascularization (83.0% vs 91.4%; P = .230), freedom from reintervention (68.8% vs 76.2%; P = .731), or freedom from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (56.4% vs 64.6%; P = .364) rates between the matched groups. CONCLUSIONS: Total arterial revascularization using RGEA composite grafts showed comparable results to those using RITA composite grafts in terms of the 10-year occlusion rates and long-term clinical outcomes.

Internal Thoracic Artery to Vertebral Artery Bypass Surgery: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study.

OBJECTIVE: Posterior circulation strokes account for over one quarter of all ischemic strokes. The frequency of vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS) in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) has been estimated to be as high 26%-32%, and VAOS is the direct cause of posterior circulation strokes in 9% of patients. This association could have a significant genetic component. This study examines the feasibility of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) as a donor vessel for revascularization in patients with VAOS. METHODS: Ten sides from 5 fresh-frozen white cadaveric necks derived from 3 women and 2 men were used in this study. The mean age of the cadavers at death was 77.2 years (range, 68-88 years). The subclavian artery, vertebral artery, and ITA were dissected. The length and diameter (proximal and distal) of the V1 segment and the length and diameter of the ITA were recorded. Finally, the ITA was transposed to the V1 segment of the vertebral artery (VA1). RESULTS: The mean length of the VA1 and its diameter at the proximal and distal parts were 35.51 and 3.69 mm, respectively. The mean length and diameter of the ITA were 26.53 and 3.27 mm, respectively. Rerouting the ITA to the VA1 was feasible without tension on all sides. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the ITA is anatomically and hemodynamically an excellent option for bypass surgery in a VAOS scenario. We present convincing and reproducible data to aid neurosurgeons in choosing the procedure best suited to their patients.

Anatomical Study and Clinical Application of Free Thoracoacromial Artery True-Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of the Face.

INTRODUCTION: The clavicular region is acknowledged as one of the most suitable donor sites for reconstruction of the face or neck. Recently, a free thoracoacromial artery (TAA) perforator (TAAP) flap was reported as a new option for reconstruction of the face. However, the TAAP flap has several drawbacks including tedious intramuscular dissection of the pedicle and loss of availability of a pectoralis major flap as a bailout option in case of cancer recurrence. We performed an anatomical study of the TAAP and developed a novel TAA "true-perforator" flap, in which we can preserve the main trunk of the TAA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Anatomical study of the TAAPs was performed in 6 patients while elevating a deltopectoral flap or a pedicled TAAP flap. Location and diameter of the perforators were recorded. Based on these anatomical findings, we developed a novel free TAA true-perforator flap, which we used for the reconstruction of a facial defect after cancer resection. RESULTS: The most dominant TAAP was identified 4.8-cm (4 to 7-cm) caudally from the upper border of the deltopectoral triangle along the cephalic vein and 1.7-cm (0.5 to 2-cm) medially from the cephalic vein. The diameter of the TAAPs at the level of fascial penetration was 0.78-mm (0.6 to 1.0-mm). The pedicle could be elongated up to 3-cm with proximal dissection. Clinical case showed a satisfactory aesthetic result with minimal donor-site morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: A free TAA true-perforator flap can be a new option for the reconstruction of the face with many advantages including reduced donor-site morbidity and satisfactory aesthetic outcome.

Does moderate coronary stenosis affect the fate of the left internal thoracic artery graft?

Abstract Introduction: In this study we try to observe the fate of the left internal thoracic artery grafts that were bypassed to left anterior descending artery with moderate stenosis identified with fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique. Doppler ultrasonography was chosen as a noninvasive screening method. Methods: A total of 30 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting depending on results of the fractional flow reserve between January 2007 and January 2012, were subjected to transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation irrespective of the presence of symptoms, and the presence of a systolic-diastolic flow pattern was investigated using the supraclavicular approach. Results: The left internal thoracic artery graft was found to be functional in 63.3% of patients within a mean period of 35.1±19.7 months between coronary bypass and color Doppler ultrasonography. This period was found to be 29.4±19.6 months in the functional graft group, and 44.7±16.6 months in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.046). Preoperative complaints of angina were reported to fall from 88.9% to 16.7% in the functional graft group, when compared to the postoperative period (P<0.001), but fell from 90.9% to 36.4% in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.034). Conclusion: Functional left internal thoracic artery graft rates of the study population were found to be lower than the studies reported in the literature.

Management of closed sternal incision after bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting with a single-use negative pressure system.

Single-use, closed incision management (CIM) systems offer a practical means of delivering negative pressure wound therapy to patients. This prospective study evaluates the Prevena™ Therapy system in a cohort of coronary patients at high risk of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI). Fifty-three consecutive patients undergoing bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) grafting were preoperatively elected for CIM with the Prevena™ Therapy system, which was applied immediately after surgery. The actual rate of DSWI in these patients was compared with the expected risk of DSWI according to two scoring systems specifically created to predict either DSWI after BITA grafting (Gatti score) or major infections after cardiac surgery (Fowler score). The actual rate of DSWI was lower than the expected risk of DSWI by the Gatti score (3.8 vs. 5.8%, p = 0.047) but higher than by the Fowler score (2.3%, p = 0.069). However, while the Gatti score showed very good calibration (χ2 = 4.8, p = 0.69) and discriminatory power (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.838), the Fowler score showed discrete calibration (χ2 = 10.5, p = 0.23) and low discriminatory power (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.608). Single-use CIM systems appear to be useful to reduce the risk of DSWI after BITA grafting. More studies have to be performed to make stronger this finding.

Does Moderate Coronary Stenosis Affect the Fate of the Left Internal Thoracic Artery Graft?

INTRODUCTION: In this study we try to observe the fate of the left internal thoracic artery grafts that were bypassed to left anterior descending artery with moderate stenosis identified with fractional flow reserve (FFR) technique. Doppler ultrasonography was chosen as a noninvasive screening method. METHODS: A total of 30 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting depending on results of the fractional flow reserve between January 2007 and January 2012, were subjected to transthoracic color Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation irrespective of the presence of symptoms, and the presence of a systolic-diastolic flow pattern was investigated using the supraclavicular approach. RESULTS: The left internal thoracic artery graft was found to be functional in 63.3% of patients within a mean period of 35.1±19.7 months between coronary bypass and color Doppler ultrasonography. This period was found to be 29.4±19.6 months in the functional graft group, and 44.7±16.6 months in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.046). Preoperative complaints of angina were reported to fall from 88.9% to 16.7% in the functional graft group, when compared to the postoperative period (P<0.001), but fell from 90.9% to 36.4% in the dysfunctional graft group (P=0.034). CONCLUSION: Functional left internal thoracic artery graft rates of the study population were found to be lower than the studies reported in the literature.

Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap as an autologous alternative to acellular dermal matrix.

BACKGROUND: Thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is one of the relatively new techniques in breast reconstruction. This pedicled flap retains the benefits of perforator flaps as regards minimal donor site morbidity without the need for microvascular anastomosis. Its role in partial breast reconstruction has been well documented. However, there are few reports about the role of this flap in total breast reconstruction. METHODS: This study included 47 cases who presented to the breast unit of the National Cancer Institute of Cairo University from 2013 to 2015. All patients underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate implant-based reconstruction. The TDAP flap was used to complete the subpectoral pocket for the implants in a way similar to the acellular dermal matrix. RESULTS: Overall complication rate was 14.9%. Capsular contracture occurred in 6.4%.There were no donor site complications. The majority of patients were satisfied with their cosmetic results. Sixty-eight percent rated their result as "excellent" or "good." CONCLUSION: Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap can play a significant role in total breast reconstruction. In settings with limited resources, this flap can serve as an available autologous alternative to acellular dermal matrix.

Associations Between Adding a Radial Artery Graft to Single and Bilateral Internal Thoracic Artery Grafts and Outcomes: Insights From the Arterial Revascularization Trial.

BACKGROUND: Whether the use of the radial artery (RA) can improve clinical outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft surgery remains unclear. The ART (Arterial Revascularization Trial) was designed to compare survival after bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) over single left internal thoracic artery (SITA). In the ART, a large proportion of patients (≈20%) also received an RA graft instead of a saphenous vein graft (SVG). We aimed to investigate the associations between using the RA instead of an SVG to supplement SITA or BITA grafts and outcomes by performing a post hoc analysis of the ART. METHODS: Patients enrolled in the ART (n=3102) were classified on the basis of conduits actually received (as treated). The analysis included 2737 patients who received an RA graft (RA group; n=632) or SVG only (SVG group; n=2105) in addition to SITA or BITA grafts. The primary end point was the composite of myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, and repeat revascularization at 5 years. Propensity score matching and stratified Cox regression were used to compare the 2 strategies. RESULTS: Myocardial infarction, cardiovascular death, and repeat revascularization cumulative incidence was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-3.4), 3.5% (95% CI, 2.1-5.0), and 4.4% (95% CI, 2.8-6.0) in the RA group and 3.4% (95% CI, 2.0-4.8), 4.0% (95% CI, 2.5-5.6), and 7.6% (95% CI, 5.5-9.7) in the SVG group, respectively. The composite end point was significantly lower in the RA group (8.8%; 95% CI, 6.5-11.0) compared with the SVG group (13.6%; 95% CI, 10.8-16.3; P=0.005). This association was present when an RA graft was used to supplement both SITA and BITA grafts (interaction P=0.62). CONCLUSIONS: This post hoc ART analysis showed that an additional RA was associated with lower risk for midterm major adverse cardiac events when used to supplement SITA or BITA grafts. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.situ.ox.ac.uk/surgical-trials/art. Unique identifier: ISRCTN46552265.

Significance of the Lateral Thoracic Artery in Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap Reconstruction: Quantitative Assessment of Blood Circulation Using Indocyanine Green Angiography.

Free tissue transfer is the preferred reconstruction option in most major head and neck reconstructions. The pectoralis major muscle musculocutaneous (PMMC) flap is commonly used in salvage of necrotic free flaps and is the first choice for patients who are not candidates for free flaps. The lateral thoracic artery (LTA), which is thought to contribute to blood perfusion of the inferior and lateral mammary area, is not preserved in a conventionally harvested PMMC flap. With regard to blood supply, it has been suggested that the LTA should be preserved, in addition to the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, when a skin island is designed in the lower chest to attain a pedicle length sufficient for head and neck reconstruction. However, an effect on hemodynamic improvement using the LTA has not been shown quantitatively. In this study, we examined 8 patients with oral cancer who underwent reconstruction procedures with a bipedicle PMMC flap that included the LTA, in addition to the thoracoacromial artery. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography was performed to examine circulation to the PMMC flap with or without LTA clamping after harvesting. After image processing, data were analyzed using a new quantitative perfusion assessment system with parameters that we recently established for assessment of peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs. All patients had good clinical courses with whole-flap survival, no vascular insufficiency of the skin island, and no fistula formation. Intraoperative indocyanine green angiography showed an increased inflow rate into the skin island in an LTA-declamped condition in all cases, implying that the preserved LTA increased the blood supply to skin islands in the pectoralis major muscle. We conclude that preserving the LTA in a PMMC flap can increase blood perfusion and stabilize the vascularity of the flap, making the reconstruction more effective and reliable than with use of a conventionally harvested flap. Therefore, it is worthwhile to preserve the LTA as a major contributor to a lateral and distal PMMC flap.

[Extension of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap's pedicle: Anatomical study]. / De l'allongement du pédicule du lambeau perforant thoracodorsal : étude anatomique.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the indications of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap decreased in favor of its version preserving muscle: the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TDAP). The intramuscular dissection reduce donor site morbidity but also allows an extension of the pedicle compared to conventional latissimus dorsi flap pedicle. The purpose of this study was to quantify objectively elongation of the pedicle when the perforator is dissected through the muscle. METHOD: Sixteen TDAP flap were dissected in 9 cadavers. The pedicle was divided into 4 distinct parts: (1) hypodermis, (2) subcutaneous fat, (3) intramuscular, (4) conventional pedicle. RESULTS: The length of the pedicle is significantly increased when the pedicle is dissected through the muscle. This extends the theoretical length from 5.25cm up to 9.19cm if the dissection is extended to the deep fat. Indeed, this results in a potentially exploitable TDAP pedicle length of 20.66cm. CONCLUSION: The dissection of the perforator allows an extension of the pedicle of about 5 or 9cm if we continue the dissection in the subcutaneous fat. A long pedicle may be interesting in lower limb reconstructive surgery and facial reconstruction where microsurgery is not feasible.

Toe resurfacing with a thin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap.

BACKGROUND: In toe reconstruction, amputation procedures are much more common than salvage procedures. However, toe resurfacing, rather than amputation, provides superior functional and aesthetic results. In this study, we report the clinical outcomes of toe resurfacing using a thin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and June 2013, a total of 15 patients underwent toe resurfacing using thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps. Thin flaps were harvested by discarding the deep adipose layer. Twelve cases involved a great toe defect, three, a second toe defect, three, a third toe defect, and one, a fourth toe defect. Patient ages ranged from 19 to 82 years (mean, 42.9 years). The mechanism of injury varied, including crushing injury, degloving injury, and diabetic foot infection. RESULTS: The size of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap ranged from 4 × 3 to 20 × 8 cm2 and the thickness of the flap ranged from 4 to 9 mm (mean, 6.5 mm). All flap survived completely without complications. The mean follow-up period was 18.8 months (range, 12-60 months). Only one patient with rheumatoid arthritis had mild gait disturbance. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results. CONCLUSION: Toe resurfacing with thin thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps appears to be a safer and more reliable option than amputation for preserving their function. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:312-318, 2017.

Reconstructing facial contour deformities using stereoscopic thoracodorsal artery perforator adipofascial flaps.

PURPOSE: Correcting facial contour deformities is a challenge, as it demands thoughtful planning on design, composition of flap, and secondary procedures. The thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap has become a workhorse flap for various reconstructions. In this report, we present our experience of reconstructing facial contour deformities using the free TDAP adipofascial flap, focusing on its customized design. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Sixteen patients underwent correction of a facial contour deformity with free TDAP adipofascial flaps from 2002 to 2012. The causes of defects were Romberg disease (n = 7), oncological defects (n = 5), craniofacial microsomia (n = 3), and trauma (n = 1). The flaps were three-dimensionally designed in a contour map fashion to have different thickness according to the defects by adjusting the height of adipose tissue and varying tissue composition. Customized dimension of flaps having reliable perfusion were harvested with minimized sacrifice of overlying skin. RESULTS: Flap size ranged from 6 × 3 cm to 25 × 25 cm. Six flaps were based on two perforators and the other 10 on one. Five flaps were harvested in a chimeric fashion. All flaps survived completely. No donor morbidity developed in any case. Seven patients underwent secondary corrections including fat injection or liposuction. Improved contour and symmetry were achieved in all patients and was confirmed by a photographic evaluation. Mean follow-up period was 37.8months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the stereoscopic TDAP adipofascial flaps with diligent secondary approaches may be a reliable alternative for aesthetic reconstruction of facial contour deformities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:300-306, 2017.

Extended lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous biosynthetic flap for reconstruction of full-thickness partial external ear defects: an experimental study.

External ear reconstruction is a controversial topic in reconstructive plastic surgery. Here, we prepared a pedicled biosynthetic flap for full-thickness, partial ear defects in rabbits. We operated on six adult female New Zealand rabbits weighing 3-4 kg. The dimensions of the lateral thoracic fasciocutaneous flap were 7 × 6 cm. The flap was elevated based on one of the bilaterally located internal thoracic arteries, which were dissected proximally. The pedicled flap was folded in two, and polypropylene mesh was sandwiched in the middle. The flap was adapted to a defect of 3.5 × 3 cm in diameter. In fact, the defect was created before elevation of the flap. Rabbits were followed up for 4 weeks, at the end of which they were killed and their ears were evaluated histopathologically. The survival rate of the rabbits was 100 %. All pedicled biosynthetic flaps were viable, but one showed partial (20 %) necrosis (1/6) and one was partially detached (1/6). Macroscopic (color, thickness, texture) and histological (polymorphonuclear leukocyte invasion in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and at the junction between the polypropylene mesh and the flap) features of the flap were compared to the ipsilateral ear. A new technique was developed for partial external ear reconstruction with sufficient inner skeletal support and outer skin lining. Level of evidence Level NA.

Extended locoregional use of intercostal artery perforator propeller flaps.

Besides conventional flaps, intercostal artery perforator flaps have been reported to cover trunk defects. In this report the use of anterior intercostal artery perforator (AICAP) flap, lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap and dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flap for thoracic, abdominal, cervical, lumbar and sacral defects with larger dimensions and extended indications beyond the reported literature were reevaluated. Thirty-nine patients underwent surgery between August 2012 and August 2014. The age of the patients ranged between 16 and 79 with a mean of 49 years. The distribution of defects were as follows; 12 thoracic, 8 parascapular, 3 cervical, 8 abdominal, 4 sacral and 4 lumbar. AICAP, LICAP and DICAP flaps were used for reconstruction. Fifty-two ICAP flaps were performed on 39 patients. Flap dimensions ranged between 6 × 9 cm and 14 × 35 cm. Twenty-six patients had single flap coverage and 13 patients had double flap coverage. Forty-six flaps have been transferred as propeller flaps and 6 flaps have been transferred as perforator plus flap. Forty flaps (75%) went through transient venous congestion. In one DICAP flap, 30% of flap was lost. No infection, hematoma or seroma were observed in any patient. Follow-up period ranged between 3 and 32 months with a mean of 9 months. The ICAP flaps provide reliable and versatile options in reconstructive surgery and can be used for challenging defects in trunk.

Modification of the Elevation Plane and Defatting Technique to Create a Thin Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap.

BACKGROUND: Perforator flaps have been used extensively in the field of reconstruction, and the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap is very popular. However, the perforator flap can be relatively bulky in some cases, depending on the defect's location. Thus, several methods have been developed to address this bulkiness, including modification of the flap elevation, application of an ultrathin flap using microdissection, and the defatting technique. However, these methods have various disadvantages, so we developed an adjustable thin TDAP flap using modification of the flap elevation and defatting technique. METHODS: Between January 2012 and February 2015, 13 patients underwent reconstruction of defects of their upper and lower extremities using TDAP flaps. We measured all the flap dimensions, except for thickness, because it was adjusted for the target defect. RESULTS: The mean flap size was 94 cm(2) (range: 48-210 cm(2)), and all flaps were ≤10 cm wide to facilitate primary donor-site closure. Two subjects with a history of diabetes exhibited partial flap loss, so we performed secondary skin graft surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The TDAP flap elevation was modified at the superficial fascia plane, and the defatting technique was used to adjust the flap volume. This technique provided more natural contours and minimized the need for secondary debulking.

Incidence of Deep Sternal Wound Infection in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Skeletonized Internal Thoracic Artery Grafting.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of skeletonized bilateral or single internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting on the risk of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) in diabetic patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 803 diabetic patients undergoing OPCAB surgery from January 2010 to December 2014 were enrolled into this study and assigned to the pSITA group (patients undergoing pedicled single ITA grafting, n = 362), the sSITA group (skeletonized single ITA grafting, n = 295), or the sBITA group (skeletonized bilateral ITA grafting, n = 146). The primary end point was the diagnosis of a DSWI. RESULTS: Eighteen patients developed postoperative DSWI, with an incidence of 2.2%. Patients in the sSITA group had a significantly lower incidence of DSWI than those in the pSITA group (1.0 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.0408). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the risk of DSWI in the sSITA group was 0.41 times that in the pSITA group. CONCLUSIONS: sSITA grafting lowered the risk of DSWI in diabetic patients undergoing OPCAB surgery compared to pSITA grafting. Multicenter clinical trials involving larger sample sizes are needed to determine the merit of pSITA grafting in reducing the risk of DSWI following OPCAB surgery.

Are all forms of total arterial revascularization equal? A comparison of single versus bilateral internal thoracic artery grafting strategies.

OBJECTIVE: Total arterial revascularization (TAR) with internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) and radial arteries (RA) is associated with greater long-term survival compared with the use of a single internal thoracic artery supplemented by veins. The optimal conduit choice and configuration in achieving TAR remains controversial, with uncertainty regarding the individual prognostic impact of ITAs and RAs. As such, among patients solely undergoing TAR, we compared long-term survival between patients receiving single thoracic arteries and those receiving bilateral ITAs. METHODS: From 1995 to 2010, 2821 patients with 3-vessel coronary artery disease at 8 centers underwent primary isolated coronary artery bypass with TAR using ITAs and RAs. Bilateral ITAs were used in 912 patients. In 380 cases, bilateral in situ ITAs were grafted to the left coronary system. RAs were used in 848 patients (93%) receiving bilateral ITAs and 1906 patients (99.8%) receiving single ITAs. Survival data were obtained using the National Death Index. Separate 1:1 propensity score-matched analyses were performed for (1) bilateral ITA versus single ITA and (2) bilateral ITA incorporating a free right ITA versus single ITA and RAs. Among the 912 patients with bilateral ITAs, those receiving an in situ right ITA to the left coronary system were compared with those receiving a free right ITA. RESULTS: In the propensity score-matched analysis comparing bilateral versus single ITAs (591 matched pairs), there were similar rates of 30-day mortality and deep sternal wound infection. Bilateral ITA use was associated with greater 15-year survival (79% ± 3.9% vs 67% ± 4.7%, P < .001). In the analysis between bilateral ITA incorporating a free right ITA versus single ITA + RAs (380 matched pairs), bilateral ITA use demonstrated comparable survival at 15 years (79% ± 4.7% vs 67% ± 5.7%, P = .09). Among patients receiving bilateral ITAs, comparison between in situ right ITA versus free right ITA recipients (206 matched pairs) revealed comparable 15-year survival (84% ± 6.1% vs 79% ± 6.7%, P = .13). Multivariable Cox regression found bilateral ITA use to be protective from mortality (hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.90, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The use of bilateral ITAs as an in situ or free conduit is associated with greater survival and seems to offer a prognostic advantage over the use of only a single ITA supplemented by RAs. Therefore, all configurations of TAR are not equivalent.