microvascular free flap

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Soft tissue defects after total knee arthroplasties (TKA) represent a major orthopedic challenge with amputation as a feared outcome. Microvascular free flap coverage (FFC) can increase limb salvage rates, but complications related to the procedure are yet to be explored further. We aimed to review a single-center experience with FFC for soft tissue defects related to revision total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: Through a retrospective chart review from 2006 to 2021, we identified all patients who had FFC of a knee with an existing TKA...

BACKGROUND: A co-surgeon model is known to be favorable in microvascular breast reconstruction, but simultaneous co-surgeon deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap cases have not been well-studied. The authors hypothesize that performing two simultaneous co-surgeon bilateral DIEP flap reconstructions results in non-inferior clinical outcomes and may improve patient access to care. METHODS: A single-institution, retrospective cohort study was performed utilizing record review to identify all cases of co-surgeon free-flap breast reconstructions over a 38-month period...

Background : Maxillofacial microvascular free-flap reconstructions are significant interventions in the management of congenital defects, traumatic injuries, malignancies, and iatrogenic complications in pediatric and young adult patients. Craniofacial disorders within this demographic can result in profound functional, cosmetic, and psychosocial impairments, highlighting the critical need for thorough investigation into factors that may influence procedural success and postoperative quality of life. This retrospective chart review aims to examine the outcomes and potential influencing factors, aiming to offer valuable insights into optimizing the effectiveness of these reconstructions and improving patient outcomes...

BACKGROUND: The concept of reserve flow perfusion for free flap reconstruction has been demonstrated in various applications in the literature. As it relates to the anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap, the reserve flow principle has been primarily described to either augment or "supercharge" a large ALT to optimize skin perforator supply or lengthen the vascular pedicle. METHODS: We report a case of a 77-year old male with chronic renal failure who had extensive atherosclerosis of the proximal descending lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) where arterial anastomosis was unable to be performed...

INTRODUCTION: Bilobed PMMC flap is done for patients who have diseases that require resection of oral cavity mucosa along with the overlying skin, either because of direct tumor invasion to the skin or for achieving adequate tumor-free base of resection. The versatility of the flap allows it to be used to cover both inner and outer linings for a full-thickness defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study carried out in the Department of Head and Neck Oncology at a regional cancer center from January 2019 to December 2019...

The osteocutaneous radial forearm free flap (OCRFFF) is a versatile flap with the ability to reconstruct complex defects. We detail the techniques necessary to harvest an OCRFFF, including an outline on making 90-degree osteotomies to maximize bone harvest. In this pictorial essay, we provide illustrations of the anatomy and surgical techniques necessary for OCRFFF harvest. Detailed discussion is provided on how to protect the perforators to the bone and the approach to making osteotomies in a 90-degree fashion...

Background Postoperative new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) has been shown to be associated with increased surgical morbidity and mortality following cancer ablation surgery. However, evidence on new-onset AF's impact on surgical outcomes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing tumor ablation and microvascular free tissue transfer remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the association between AF and surgical outcomes in these patients. Methods We enrolled head and neck cancer patients who underwent tumor ablation reconstructed with microvascular free tissue transfer from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD)...

The field of microsurgical head and neck reconstruction has witnessed tremendous advancements in recent years. While the historic goals of reconstruction were simply to maximize flap survival, optimizing both aesthetic and functional outcomes has now become the priority. With an increased understanding of perforator anatomy, improved technology in instruments and microscopes, and high flap success rates, the reconstructive microsurgeon can push the envelope in harvesting and designing the ideal flap to aid patients following tumor extirpation...

Background : The reconstruction of plantar load-bearing foot defects faces many plastic surgeons with a major challenge. The optimal patient- and defect-oriented reconstructive strategy must be selected. Methods : To analyze the current trends and recommendations in reconstruction of plantar load-bearing foot defects, we conducted an international survey among plastic surgeons querying them about their recommendations and experiences. Results : The survey revealed that the most common strategies for reconstruction of the foot sole are locoregional and microvascular free flaps, emphasizing the relevance of plastic surgery...

OBJECTIVES: To use portable colorimetry to quantify color differences between facial skin and potential three head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer (MFTT) donor sites-radial forearm (RF), anterolateral thigh (ALT), and fibula (FF)-and compare these differences by pigmentation of the donor site skin and self-identified race. METHODS: In this cross-sectional cohort study, healthy volunteers consented to handheld colorimeter measurements at the three potential MFTT donor sites (RF, ALT, FF) to quantify color match to the facial skin using the CIE color space (DeltaE)...

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of vascular anastomosis using loupes magnification versus operative microscope magnification in reconstructive surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Library database according to the PRISMA guidelines. Comparative studies between the two techniques and single arm studies reporting on loupes reconstruction were included. Random-effects model meta-analyses were performed...

BACKGROUND: There are multiple reconstructive options after mandibular resection and disarticulation of the condyle. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical outcomes and functionality of osteocutaneous free flaps in the reconstruction of mandibular defects that involve the Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ). METHODS: Our study is a retrospective cohort study involving subjects who underwent mandibular resection and needed TMJ reconstruction with vascularized bony-free flaps from February 2016 to June 2018...

Head and neck reconstruction, particularly tongue reconstruction, remains a formidable challenge. However, crafting a three-dimensional structure from a basic flap necessitates precise dimensions to avoid excess or insufficiency. At the same time, the tongue also has to be accommodated inside the oral cavity to prevent protrusion or repeated injuries due to tooth bites. This study aims to showcase the practicality of employing Pythagoras's formula in both preoperative and intraoperative settings to the required flap dimensions for partial and hemiglossectomy tongue defects...

INTRODUCTION: We conducted this pilot study to assess direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in the prevention of microvascular thrombosis. MATERIALS: and methods: Five patients undergoing microvascular free tissue transplantation received rivaroxaban or apixaban (depending on their home medication). We compared this group to 19 patients who received enoxaparin subcutaneously. We evaluated the rate of graft loss due to microvascular thrombosis and the number of transfusions administered intra- and postoperatively...

OBJECTIVES: Microvascular bone flap jaw reconstruction has achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, little is known about the long-term stability of the reconstructed jaw. This prospective longitudinal study aimed to investigate the long-term stability of jaw reconstruction and factors that were associated with it. METHODS: Patients with successful computer-assisted osseous free-flap jaw reconstruction in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong were recruited for this prospective longitudinal study...

OBJECTIVE: In light of the recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Class 2 safety recall notice for anastomotic coupling devices, it is important to understand related adverse events. The aim of this study was to characterize adverse events in anastomotic coupling devices for microvascular reconstruction. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis using the 2011 to 2021 US FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. All reports of adverse events involving anastomotic coupling devices were retrieved from the MAUDE database...

Osteosarcomas are rare and highly malignant bone tumours which are composed of malignant mesenchymal cells producing osteoid or immature bone. Maxillary osteosarcomas are rare tumours accounting for less than 1% of head and neck malignancies. Aggressive surgical resection is the main modality of treatment with good reconstruction. Due to the complex anatomy and location of maxilla as well as its proximity to the skull, resection with negative margins is always a challenge and so is the reconstruction so as to reduce the morbidity of the patient and to also give a good functional and cosmetic outcome...

BACKGROUND: Head and neck tissue defects after ablative surgery often require complex and composite reconstructions. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap is an extremely versatile perforator-based flap with minimal donor site morbidity, which may represent the optimal procedure in this setting. Over the last 5 years, we collected a large base of experience, including both simple and chimeric SCIP-based reconstruction, making this flap our first choice for head and neck reconstructions...

BACKGROUND: The elbow is a complex joint that is vital for proper function of the upper extremity. Reconstruction of soft tissue defects over the joint space remains challenging, and outcomes following free tissue transfer remain underreported in the literature. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the rate of limb salvage, joint function, and clinical complications following microvascular free flap coverage of the elbow. METHODS: This retrospective case series utilized surgical logs of the senior authors (Stephen J Kovach and L Scott Levin) to identify patients who underwent microvascular free flap elbow reconstruction between January 2007 and December 2021...

UNLABELLED: Importance Free tissue transfer for reconstruction of the head and neck requires complicated repair of complex anatomy. The posterior tibial flap is a free tissue flap that has viability and versatility to be used for complex reconstructions that is not offered by other free flaps. OBJECTIVE: The posterior tibial artery flap is a perforator flap which is found between the flexor digitorum longus and the soleus. It has been described as both a pedicled flap for lower extremity reconstruction as well as a free flap, including for head and neck reconstruction...