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Background: There is an increasing evidence for the use of thin flaps based on vascular perforators for reconstructive surgeries. The medial sural and deep inferior epigastric artery flaps offer versatility for the reconstruction of major defects of the head and neck. Objectives: “Whether medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap or rectus abdominis perforator flap is better for the reconstruction of glossectomy defects in terms of functional outcome?” Data Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov and hand searches. Participants and Interventions: Patients who underwent tongue reconstruction with either MSAP flap or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods: Based on defined study criteria 6 studies were selected according to Prisma Guidelines. The overall estimated effect was categorized as significant where P < 0.05. Results: There was no significant difference between both flaps in terms of receptor site complications (P = 0.223). Overall odds ratio (OR) for complications was 1.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.412–0.736) and the test for overall effect t value was 2.836, P < 0.05. Overall OR was 6.01 (95% CI 0.5–7.45) and the test for overall effect t value was 1.41, P < 0.05 indicating there was a statistical difference in the intelligibility of speech. Limitations: Anatomical variations, under-reporting of studies and lack of universal tool for speech intelligibility. Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings: Both the flaps are comparable in terms of functional outcome. Medium-sized defects can be reconstructed with MSAP and composite larger defects would benefit from DIEAP. In females, anterolateral thigh flap still remains the choice for composite reconstructions.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: During a deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvest, the identification and localization of the epigastric arteries and its perforators are crucial. Holographic augmented reality is an innovative technique that can be used to visualize this patient-specific anatomy extracted from a computed tomographic scan directly on the patient. This study describes an innovative workflow to achieve this. METHODS: A software application for the Microsoft HoloLens was developed to visualize the anatomy as a hologram. By using abdominal nevi as natural landmarks, the anatomy hologram is registered to the patient. To ensure that the anatomy hologram remains correctly positioned when the patient or the user moves, real-time patient tracking is obtained with a quick response marker attached to the patient. RESULTS: Holographic augmented reality can be used to visualize the epigastric arteries and its perforators in preparation for a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap harvest. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially, this workflow can be used visualize the vessels intraoperatively. Furthermore, this workflow is intuitive to use and could be applied for other flaps or other types of surgery.

Обстежено та проліковано 233 хворих із трофічними виразками нижніх кінцівок (ХТВ): 137 хворих із венозними (С6, Ep/Es, Pr 2, 3, 4, 18), 96 на хронічну критичну ішемію нижніх кінцівок ІІІ ст. (КІНК), зумовлену периферичною формою атеросклерозу судин. У першу і другу групу контролю ввійшли хворі, яким проведене комплексне лікування за загальноприйнятими схемами. У третю і четверту групу ввійшли хворі, яким використано ізольовану автодермопластику вільними перфорованими клаптями шкіри (АВПКШ). У п’ятій групі з венозними ХТВ виконано радикальний венекзерез. У шостій групі проведена катетеризація нижньої надчеревної артерії (КННА) з наступною доартеріальною інфузією медикаментозних середників, остеоперфорація великогомілкової кістки (ОПВГК).Ключові слова: хронічні трофічні виразки нижніх кінцівок, хронічна венозна недостатність, облітеруючий атеросклероз, критична ішемія нижніх кінцівок, катетеризація нижньої надчеревної артерії, остеоперфорація великогомілкової кістки.

Background and aims. The aim of this study is to find the most suitable protocol based on an animal experimental model, through the use of a fluorescent dye, determining also its minimal concentration needed to stain the skin after arterial injection, in order to be evidence the functional perforasome by visual examination. Methods. Methylene blue solution was used in order to determine the territory vascularized by one perforator on fresh cadavers in many studies which introduced, as a final result, the concept of perforasome. One of the most frequent complications of perforator flaps is partial flap necrosis which could be avoided by correctly assessing pre-operatively the functional perforasome surface. Two groups of seven rats were used in order to establish a proper surgical protocol to evaluate the functional perforasome in vivo by injecting the dye. Also, the minimal concentration for methylene blue was experimentally determined. Results. The direct injection into the femoral artery of the proper concentration of dye, 1mM for methylene blue and the clamping of all the branches except the medial branch of the superficial epigastric artery is a reliable model to study the functional perforasome. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that the intraoperative assessment with fluorescent dye of the functional perforasome by intra-arterial injection of methylene blue is an easy, affordable and very efficient method to reduce the number of partial necrosis of the perforator flaps.

The internal thoracic artery (ITA) arises from the subclavian artery and terminates as the musculophrenic and inferior epigastric arteries. During routine cadaveric dissection, an aberrant left ITA was discovered. A medial and a lateral branch of the ITA branched directly off the subclavian artery as opposed to bifurcating at the 6th or 7th intercostal space. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of this particular ITA variation arising from the third part of the subclavian artery. Additionally, such a variant might also be considered a high bifurcation of the ITA. Our report examines this variation and its potential implications for coronary artery bypass grafts where the ITA is commonly used.

Flap surgery is frequently used in plastic surgery to close tissue defects. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a significant problem resulting in partial or total flap necrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ceruloplasmin on I/R injury in epigastric island flaps in rats.A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups with eight rats in each group: The flap was not elevated in Group I; the flap was elevated without ischemia or any application in Group II, after the intraperitoneal saline and ceruloplasmin application the flaps were elevated and ischemia was created in group III-IV, respectively. Bilateral epigastric artery flap was elevated in all groups except Group I. After 6 h of ischemia, the flap was reperfused and inset. Samples were taken from the right and left side of the flap area in other groups at the postoperative 24th h for biochemical analysis (catalase and malondialdehyde-MDA) and the seventh postoperative day for histopathological analysis (Modified Verhofstad score and epidermal thicknesses), respectively. Image analysis for necrosis areas was performed on photos taken on the 7th d.Catalase level was significantly higher in Group IV.(0.15 ± 0.04 U/mg protein) (P0.05) Necrosis area percentage(14.4% ± 3.3%),MDA(3.6 ± 0.9 nmol/mg protein), edema(3), necrosis(2.75), and polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration(2.87) scores were significantly higher in group III.(P0.05). Fibroblast proliferation, collagen density (0.25), vascular density (0.25) scores and epidermal thickness (15.68 µm,) was significantly lower in group III. (P0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that ceruloplasmin application before ischemia reduced I/R injury in epigastric island flaps in rats.

Despite flap disadvantages (abdominal wall weakness, flap bulk, need to reconstruct rectus sheath), nowadays, vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flaps are widely used in various modifications (longitudinal, transverse, oblique design) both as pedicled and free flaps. The VRAM flap is based on the rectus abdominis muscle, which attaches to the xiphoid process of the cartilaginous part of the sixth to eighth ribs and inserts at the pubic bone. Rectus abdominis muscle is an axillar flap and gets its main vascular supply from deep epigastric vessels.

Author(s): Sulkowski, Kathryn; Young, Christian | Abstract: Introduction: Spontaneous rupture of an inferior epigastric artery aneurysm is rare with very few cases reported in the medical literature. Although surgical options are available, this case was managed conservatively with outpatient management.Case Report: A 29-year-old male presented with right groin pain and swelling that was initially felt to be consistent with an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Further evaluation revealed spontaneous rupture of an inferior epigastric artery aneurysm. The patient was treated conservatively and was ultimately discharged home from the emergency department.Conclusion: Due to the similar clinical presentations, it was important to consider a broad differential to ultimately arrive at the correct diagnosis. In some reported cases of spontaneous epigastric artery aneurysm, surgical intervention was required for control of the bleeding. In our patient, however, conservative management was employed, and the patient was able to be safely discharged with close outpatient follow-up.

Formation of peritoneal adhesions is the most frequent complication of abdominal and pelvic surgery and comprises a lifelong risk of adhesion-related morbidity and mortality. Some of the existing antiadhesive barriers are less effective in the presence of blood. In this study, we investigate the efficacy and safety of ultrapure alginate gel in the presence of blood.In experiment 1 (30 rats), 1 mL ultrapure alginate gel was compared with no intervention in a model of cecal abrasion and persisting peritoneal bleeding by incision of the epigastric artery. In experiment 2 (30 rats), 2 mL ultrapure alginate gel was compared with no intervention in a model where a 1 mL blood clot was instilled intra-abdominally and a cecal resection was performed. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of adhesions after 14 d.In experiment 1, seven of 15 rats in the experimental group had intra-abdominal adhesions compared with 13 of 15 rats in the control group (P = 0.05); 3 of 15 rats had adhesions at the site of injury compared with 12 of 15 rats in the control group (P 0.01). The severity and extent of adhesions was also reduced (P 0.01). In experiment 2, 12 of 13 rats had adhesions compared with 13 of 14 rats in the control group (P = 1.00).Ultrapure alginate gel reduces the incidence and severity of adhesion in the presence of persisting bleeding, but not in a model of cecal resection and blood clot.

Objective To determine the location of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries in relation to 3 midline positions and the relationship between the location of these arteries, body circumference, and body condition score. Study design Descriptive anatomical study. Sample population Nine horses, aged 1-28 years (mean 10.61 ± 8.89 SD). Methods Body condition score and body circumference were measured prior to euthanasia. Angiographic studies of the deep and superficial caudal epigastric arteries were performed on resected abdominal walls. The distances between the deep and the superficial caudal epigastric arteries and 3 midline positions were measured. Correlations among these distances, body circumference, and body condition score were analyzed. Results The location of the deep caudal epigastric artery correlated with body circumference and body condition score at the umbilicus (r = 0.53 and 0.68, respectively), midpoint landmark (r = 0.79 and 0.83, respectively), and prepubic tendon attachment (r = 0.69 and 0.78, respectively). The course of this artery could be estimated by multiplying body circumference by 0.04 ± 0.02 at the umbilicus, 0.07 ± 0.01 at the midpoint landmark, and 0.03 ± 0.015 at the prepubic tendon attachment. The course of the superficial caudal epigastric artery did not correlate with anatomic landmarks. Conclusion The course of the deep caudal epigastric artery could be estimated at 3 midline landmarks on the basis of body circumference and body condition score in equine cadavers. Clinical significance Predicting the course of the caudal epigastric arteries in the equine abdomen based on correlation among location, body circumference, and body condition score may prevent iatrogenic damage during creation of laparoscopic portals.

Objective: Injury of the vessels of the anterior abdominal wall occurs in 0.2%–2% of laparoscopic surgeries, most commonly in the inferior epigastric artery (IEA). The objective of this st...

The review of national and foreign literature sources presents information on arterial blood supply of the umbilical region in newborns having relevant practical significance due to the development of new surgical approaches in that part of the anterior abdominal wall. Scientific data on the course and location of arteries participating in the blood supply of the umbilical region are summarized. Particular attention is devoted to the description of superficial, superior and inferior epigastric arteries and umbilical arteries. The issues of intervascular connections between the named arteries and other blood vessels are discussed including information on various anastomosis variations and their extent. Various existing viewpoints regarding the location and depth of anastomoses between the vessels essential for blood supply of the umbilical region are presented as well as the layers, through which the main arteries pass, and the character and level of their branching. Features of arterial blood supply of the umbilical region in newborns are also noted. The paper contains data on the role of umbilical arteries in the umbilical region supply in children of that age. It is demonstrated that blood supply of the umbilical region in newborns still poses issues that are insufficiently researched and solved, such as assessing functional capacity of the umbilical arteries, revealing histotopographic peculiarities in the location of blood vessels within the layers and various segments of the umbilical region, topographic and anatomic identification of the segments that are most and least supplied with arterial vessels in that part of the abdominal wall.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo perforator visualization by a newly proposed magnetic resonance-based perforator phase contrast angiography (pPCA) technique for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap surgery and to prospectively compare its image quality and clinical value with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), the state-of-the-art perforator imaging technique.Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. DIEP pPCA and CTA data were acquired in 10 female patients before DIEP flap surgery. Image findings were compared between the two techniques and with literature reports.The overall image quality is negatively correlated with patient BMI for CTA, but positively correlated with BMI for pPCA. Compared with CTA, pPCA has significantly better image quality (P = 0.005), signal-to-noise ratio (P0.001), and contrast-to-noise ratio (perforator-to-muscle, P0.001; perforator-to-fat, P = 0.014). It also has preferable clinical value ratings, although not statistically significant (P = 0.388). There is a good agreement (84%) between perforators detected by pPCA and CTA. Perforator location deviations between pPCA and CTA are compatible with the precision required for plastic surgery. Perforator size measured by pPCA seems to be more accurate than CTA, as it is 0.8 ± 0.3 mm smaller (P0.001), consistent with the reported 0.5 to 1.2 mm overestimation by CTA. There is no significant difference in perforator intramuscular course assessment (P = 0.415).The developed magnetic resonance-based pPCA technique presents superior image quality, better vessel contrast, and more accurate perforator anatomy than the x-ray-based CTA. pPCA has the potential to emerge as the preferred preoperative planning tool for perforator flap reconstructive surgery.

A Pfannenstiel incision involves the obstruction of superficial venous pathways and functional diversion of flow through alternative pathways and adjacent vessels. This study investigated the effect of a prior Pfannenstiel incision on venous anatomy of the lower abdominal wall; specifically, the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV), using computed tomographic angiography.A case-control study was performed of 50 patients with Pfannenstiel scars and 50 age-matched, body mass index-matched control patients without Pfannenstiel scars. The authors compared the number of direct/indirect and total communications between the SIEV and deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) venae comitantes, midline crossover, and other SIEV-related anatomical changes by using computed tomographic angiography. Flap-related clinical outcomes and donor-site-related complications were also assessed.The median number of direct and total communications between the SIEV and DIEP venae comitantes in the study group was greater than in the control group. The percentage of SIEVs having more than two branching patterns per hemiabdomen was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. The study group also showed a significantly lower rate of fat necrosis compared with the control group (p = 0.03). The rate of donor-site seroma was significantly higher in the study group.This study suggests that the presence of a Pfannenstiel scar may promote the development of direct and total communications between the SIEV and DIEP venae comitantes and branching within the SIEV in the lower abdominal wall, which may facilitate venous drainage of adipose tissue in DIEP flap breast reconstruction.Risk, II.

Pseudoaneurysm occurs when the artery wall is damaged and the blood is contained by the surrounding tissues with the eventual formation of a fibrous sac communicating with the artery. We report a case of a 74-year-old man with inferior epigastric artery (IEA) pseudoaneurysm secondary to an 8-mm port placement during a robot-assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy with ureteroileocutaneostomy. The pseudoaneurysm was initially diagnosed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS); subsequently, a computed tomography (CT) scan and an angiography test were performed. The pseudoaneurysm was then treated successfully with embolization of the inferior epigastric artery. Awareness of this rare complication is of clinical importance to avoid excessive morbidity of affected individuals.

Objectives. This is a descriptive study to determine the origin of abnormal obturator arteries, the drainage of abnormal obturator veins, and if any anastomoses exist between these abnormal vessels in Filipino cadavers. Methods. A total of 54 cadaver halves, 50 dissected by UP medical students and 4 by UP Dentistry students were included in this survey. Results. Results showed the abnormal obturator arteries arising from the inferior epigastric arteries in 7 halves (12.96%) and the abnormal communicating veins draining into the inferior epigastric or external iliac veins in 16 (29.62%). There were also arterial anastomoses in 5 (9.25%) with the inferior epigastric artery, and venous anastomoses in 16 (29.62%) with the inferior epigastric or external iliac veins. Bilateral abnormalities were noted in a total 6 cadavers, 3 with both arterial and venous, and the remaining 3 with only venous anastomoses. Conclusion. It is important to be aware of the presence of these abnormalities that if found during surgery, must first be ligated to avoid intraoperative bleeding complications.

Background Patients with chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) are predisposed to vascular calcification (VC), but the combined effect of factors associated with VC was sparsely investigated. We applied the relaxed linear separability (RLS) feature selection model to identify features that concomitantly associate with VC in CKD5 patients. Methods Epigastric arteries collected during surgery from living donor kidney transplant recipients were examined to score the histological extent of medial VC. Sixty-two phenotypic features in 152 patients were entered into RLS model to differentiate between no-minimal VC (n = 93; score 0-1) and moderate-extensive VC (n = 59; score 2-3). The subset of features associated with VC was selected on the basis of cross-validation procedure. The strength of association of the selected features with VC was expressed by the absolute value of 'RLS factor'. Results Among 62 features, a subset of 17 features provided optimal prediction of VC with 89% of patients correctly classified into their groups. The 17 features included traditional risk factors (diabetes, age, cholesterol, BMI and male sex) and markers of bone metabolism, endothelial function, metabolites, serum antibodies and mitochondrial-derived peptide. Positive RLS factors range from 1.26 to 4.05 indicating features associated with increased risk of VC, and negative RLS factors range from -0.95 to -1.83 indicating features associated with reduced risk of VC. Conclusion The RLS model identified 17 features including novel biomarkers and traditional risk factors that together concomitantly associated with medial VC. These results may inform further investigations of factors promoting VC in CKD5 patients.

Renal biopsy is often needed to diagnose posttransplant graft dysfunction. Although it is very safe due to availability of real-time imaging, complications do occur. We report a rare case of anterior abdominal wall vessel injury during allograft biopsy resulting in a large perigraft hematoma. It mimics a subcapsular hematoma due to intrarenal vessel injury leading to diagnostic confusion. We detected a partially thrombosed pseudoaneurysm 3 weeks after the biopsy which had feeders from superior and inferior epigastric artery confirmed by injecting contrast into the pseudoaneurysm. The pseudoaneurysm is due to injury to small branch of these arteries. We used a novel and a cost-effective therapeutic intervention to treat this pseudoaneurysm. We injected thrombin percutaneously into pseudoaneurysm which enables thrombosis of the feeder vessels preventing recurrence.

Small saccular aneurysm in the right gastroepiploic artery is a sporadic disease accounting for approximately 0.4% of abdominal visceral aneurysms rarely observed during routine examination of other illnesses; however, it has been reported following rupture. The right gastroepiploic artery is a common alternative to the internal thoracic artery in coronary artery bypass grafting. We report a case of small aneurysms in the left anterior descending artery, diagonal branch artery, and right gastroepiploic artery and a pseudoaneurysm in right gastroepiploic artery. Coronary artery bypass grafting was performed using the left internal thoracic artery and right gastroepiploic artery, and a 5-mm aneurysm was observed in the right gastroepiploic artery. The resected 5-mm right gastroepiploic artery aneurysm was saccular. Pathological investigation revealed media loss and adventitial thinning, indicating the possibility of an aneurysm rupture. Thus, preoperative three-dimensional computed tomography is beneficial for patients with coronary arterial aneurysms and preoperative evaluation of right gastroepiploic artery to help achieve good clinical outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting with another arterial aneurysm.

We report a case of cardiac catheterization that was done entirely by accidentally accessing the inferior epigastric artery (IEA) through an unintentional puncture of the U-shaped portion of the inferior epigastric artery. Luckily the patient did not have any trauma to the IEA and was d/c home with no complications. A 48-year-old female with history of hypertension and CAD S/P left circumflex stent many years ago who presented to our facility with persistent crescendo angina for which decision was made to proceed with LHC. The cardiac catheterization showed no significant CAD with patent stent so it was decided that there is no further intervention needed. Femoral angiogram was done and showed that the stick was high and the tip of the sheath was about to come out of the CFA; at the same time, it came into our minds that the sheath could be passing through the IEA by sticking the U portion of the IEA, but due to the high risk, an immediate access was obtained through the contralateral groin then a balloon over the wire was passed beyond the original sheath tip, then the sheath was slowly pulled back while contrast was injected. Angiogram showed that the sheath was inserted through the U-shaped portion of the IEA. Conclusion. Ultrasound guidance should be the first-line standard for arterial access in any cardiac catheterization procedure. US is a proven tool that can increase success and decrease complications in a wide variety of vascular access procedures.

Purpose Perfusion zones of the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap aid surgeons in estimating approximate tissue territory with reliable perfusion. Since the Hartrampf perfusion zone was developed, it has been modified continuously; however controversies remain regarding whether the recent perfusion models can satisfy current anatomical and clinical evidence. We conducted a comprehensive review of previous studies to synthesize relevant knowledge and critically reappraise current perfusion models. Methods All anatomical and clinical studies that investigated perfusion of DIEP flaps were searched, yielding 21 studies suitable for review. A meta-analysis was conducted when sufficient data were provided. Results The perforators had unpredictable subcutaneous courses and were preferentially directed laterally. The medial and lateral perforators showed different characteristics in terms of branching pattern, orientation, and linking vessels between them. Ex-vivo perfusion findings suggested that medial perforators favored Hartrampf zone II rather than zone III and perfused the entire abdomen frequently, whereas the lateral perforators favored zone III and their perfusion territories were limited primarily to the hemi-abdomen. In the meta-analysis based on the clinical perfusion studies, zone III had significantly higher perfusion than zone II (P = 0.04) and these tendencies remained in both medial and lateral perforator-based flaps. Conclusions Considerable discrepancies were found between findings of ex-vivo and clinical perfusion studies. A thorough review of existing knowledge based on the perforasome concept explained these discrepancies satisfactorily and revealed unsolved issues of the current perfusion models. Flap perfusion clearly varies widely individually; however, this review will help with surgical planning and decision making. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 38:98-108, 2018.

Nowadays, microvascular breast reconstruction with abdominal perforator flap is a popular and widespread technique. However, venous congestion is a recurrent problem in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap survival. We present a venous supercharging technique using the thoracoacromial vein in DIEP free flap for breast reconstruction.A prospective randomized study was conducted in 52 patients undergoing a free DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Classical DIEP flap using 1 venous anastomosis (DIEP group) was compared with thoracoacromial venous supercharged DIEP flap using the ipsilateral superficial epigastric vein as a supercharging vein (DIEP-TAsc group). The endpoint was to assess the equivalence or the superiority of each technique. Statistical analysis was made with the t test and the χ test.Venous congestion occurred in 16 (55.1%) patients in the DIEP group, and 3 (13%) patients in the DIEP-TAsc group (P = 0.001). The venous congestion rate was 36.5%. Fat necrosis was experienced by 14 (48.2%) patients in the DIEP group, and 4 (17.4%) patients in the DIEP-TAsc group (P = 0.020). The fat necrosis rate was 34.6%. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 13 (44.8%) patients in the DIEP group, and 2 (8.7%) patients in the DIEP-TAsc group (P = 0.004). The partial flap necrosis rate was 28.8%. Total flap necrosis occurred in 5 (17.2%) patients in the DIEP group, but no (0%) patient in the DIEP-TAsc group (P = 0.036). The total flap necrosis rate was 9.6%. The mean operative time was 405 minutes (range, 355-460) in the DIEP group, and 510 minutes (range, 405-590) in the DIEP-TAsc group (P0.001).Thoracoacromial venous supercharging using the ipsilateral superficial inferior epigastric vein is a valuable method which considerably secures the DIEP free flap in breast reconstruction although it lengthens the operative procedure. EBM level: Level III.

INTRODUCTION: For slim patients eligible to breast reconstruction, clinical concerns exist on availability of adequate amount of donor tissue to restore breast volume and challenges in donor-site c ...

The aim of this study is to investigate neovascularisation patterns in the presence of scar tissue and to compare the venous vs arterial components of the scar penetrating neovascularisation.Forty male Spraque-Dawley Rats, which were divided into four groups, were used for this study. At the beginning of the study a vertical midline abdominal incision was made to all animals. Six weeks after the incisions were made, epigastric flaps based on inferior epigastric vessels were raised. In the first group both left and right epigastric artery and veins were protected. In the second group only the right epigastric artery and vein was protected. In the third group, besides the right epigastric artery and vein, only the left epigastric artery was kept intact. In the fourth group, besides the right epigastric artery and vein, only the left epigastric vein was kept intact.The percentages of necrotic areas on the flaps were statistically evaluated. The percentages of the necrotic areas on the left side of the flaps were significantly higher in the second group (p = 0.0305). Total flap area necrosis was also significantly higher in the second group (p = 0.026). In each group, vessel formations were identified which were extending through the midline scar tissue in the angiographic evaluations.These results suggest that scar penetrating neovascularisation on an epigastric flap with one sided pedicle, which is supported by a vein or an artery on the contralateral side, can be enough to facilitate the flap circulation.

Background: There continues to be controversy about performing abdominoplasty concurrently with abdominal liposuction. The concern is that liposuction on the already vascularly compromised abdominal flap will lead to increased complications and flap necrosis. The central abdomen is supplied by the epigastric system. If perforator vessels from this system are spared, the blood supply to the abdomen can be spared and liposuction should be able to be safely performed on the elevated abdominal flap. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of abdominoplasty with concurrent abdominal liposuction when a perforator vessel is spared. Methods: A standard abdominoplasty was performed, sparing one or two perforator vessels from the deep superior epigastric artery system. A retrospective chart review of 300 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoplasty surgery combined with concurrent abdominal liposuction was performed. Complications, total volume of abdominal liposuction, and results were reviewed. Results: The overall complication rate was 17.3 percent (52 patients). Sixteen percent (48 patients) suffered minor complications and 1.3 percent (four patients) suffered major complications. Conclusions: Abdominoplasty can be combined safely with concurrent abdominal liposuction when a perforator vessel is spared. The combination of concurrent liposuction with abdominoplasty showed no increase in complication rates when a perforator vessel was spared. The perforator vessels are located consistently in a 2-cm radius located 4 cm from the midline and 6 cm from the subcostal margin. The potential advantages of abdominoplasty with concurrent liposuction include a better postoperative cosmetic result. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: Many fundamental questions regarding the blood supply to the integument of the rat remain to be clarified, namely the degree of homology between rat and humans. The aim of this work was to characterize in detail the macro and microvascular blood supply to the integument covering the ventrolateral aspect of the abdominal wall of the rat. Methods: Two hundred five Wistar male rats weighing 250–350 g were used. They were submitted to gross anatomical dissection after intravascular colored latex injection (n = 30); conversion in modified Spalteholz cleared specimens (n=10); intravascular injection of a Perspex solution, and then corroded, in order to produce vascular corrosion casts of the vessels in the region (n = 5); histological studies (n = 20); scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts (n = 10); surgical dissection of the superficial caudal epigastric vessels (n = 100); and to thermographic evaluation (n = 30). Results: The ventrolateral abdominal wall presented a dominant superficial vascular system, which was composed mainly of branches from the superficial caudal epigastric artery and vein in the caudal half. The cranial half still received significant arterial contributions from the lateral thoracic artery in all cases and from large perforators coming from the intercostal arteries and from the deep cranial epigastric artery. Conclusions: These data show that rats and humans present a great deal of homology regarding the blood supply to the ventrolateral aspect of the abdominal integument. However, there are also significant differences that must be taken into consideration when performing and interpreting experimental procedures in rats.

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain that can lead to life-threatening bleeding, particularly in elderly patients receiving anticoagulation therapy. Type III RSHs, based on computer tomography (CT) evaluation, is characterized by active bleeding with intramuscular or intraperitoneal extension and hemodynamic instability. Medical contemporary knowledge of this condition is contentious and overall 20% of acute mortality has been reported. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience and outcomes in the management of RSHs treated with percutaneous arterial embolization of the epigastric vessels. We retrospectively analyzed 43 patients with RSH type III, submitted to percutaneous epigastric artery embolization from 2007 to 2015. Percutaneous arterial embolization was feasible and successful in patients with a high burden of comorbidities and receiving anticoagulation therapy. There was no acute mortality and a late mortality at 3 months of 9.1% (4/43) was not directly related to RSHs or arterial embolization. Patients with late mortality had lower ejection fraction, prolonged PTT, greater RDW and warfarin in overlapping with low-molecular-weight heparins. Transcatheter arterial embolization of the epigastric vessels was safe, feasible and effective in stopping the bleeding. Despite anti-platelets/anti-coagulation therapy and a high burden of comorbidities, there was no acute mortality related to RSH.

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is one of the most commonly used perforator flaps for reconstruction. The anatomy of the flap varies considerably between patients and even within patients. The authors conducted a comprehensive review to fully describe the vascular anatomy of the DIEP flap. METHODS: The authors performed MEDLINE, Ovid, and PubMed searches for articles published between 1993 and 2012 on the vascular anatomy of the DIEP flap. Abstracts were screened first, then entire articles, followed by manual reference check. A total of 60 relevant articles were identified and reviewed in their entirety. The authors synthesized all descriptions of DIEP flap vascular anatomy. RESULTS: The perforators originating from the deep inferior epigastric artery can be categorized as musculocutaneous or extramuscular. Musculocutaneous perforators are the most common (33 to 100 percent), followed by extramuscular (0 to 67.6 percent). Of the musculocutaneous perforators, a short intramuscular course ( 4 cm; 9 to 26 percent) and a perpendicular course (3 to 26 percent). Two subfascial patterns have been described, with direct fascial penetration more common than a subfascial course. The two extramuscular perforator types, paramedian (

Lower limb ulcers are a major source of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Surgical coverage of these wounds is fraught with a high complication rate. Although clinically perforator flaps lead to good results in diabetic patients, there is little experimental data to support this finding.A total of 60 Wistar rats were randomly assigned either to the diabetic (n = 30) or control (n = 30) group. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin injection at 50 mg/kg body weight and was confirmed by blood glucose levels180 mg/dL preoperatively. In all rats, a cranial epigastric artery perforator flap was raised. At postoperative day 7, all flaps were raised, photographed by digital planimetry, and analyzed histologically.Mean glycemic levels preoperatively were 207.8 ± 16 in the diabetic group and 82.8 ± 5.1 in the control group (p0.05). Ninety percent of the flaps survived completely in the control group, compared with 66.7% in the diabetic group (p0.05). The mean flap survival area was lower in the diabetic group (83.3 ± 16.5%) than in the control group (96 ± 4%). There were significantly more perioperative complications in the diabetic group (46.7%) than in the control group (16.7%), but these did not affect flap survival. Superficial ulceration appeared only in the diabetic group as a complication.Perforator flaps can be successfully used for coverage of cutaneous defects in a rat diabetic model. These flaps show higher complication rates in diabetic versus nondiabetic animals; however, this complication rate has little influence on flap survival.

Rectus sheath hematoma (RSH) develops due to rupture of epigastric arteries or the rectus muscle. Although RSH incidence rate is low, it poses a significant diagnostic dilemma. We evaluated the risk factors for RSH, its presentation, management, and outcomes for 115 patients hospitalized with confirmed RSH by computed tomography scan between January 2005 and June 2009. More than three-fourth (77.4%) of the patients were on anticoagulation therapy, 58.3% patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3, 51.3% had abdominal injections, 41.7% were on steroids/immunosuppressant therapy, 37.4% had abdominal surgery/trauma, 33.9% had cough, femoral puncture was performed in 31.3% of patients, and 29.5% were on antiplatelet therapy. Rectus sheath hematoma was not an attributable cause in any of the 17 deaths. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with CKD stage ≥3 ( P = .03) or who required transfusion ( P = .007). Better understanding of RSH risk factors will facilitate early diagnoses and improve management.

The retroperitoneum is rich in vascular structures and can harbor large hematomas, traumatic or spontaneous. The management of retroperitoneal hematomas depends on the mechanism of injury and whether they are pulsatile/expanding. Rectus sheath hematomas are uncommon abdominal wall hematomas secondary to trauma to the epigastric arteries of the rectus muscle. The common risk factors include anticoagulation, strenuous exercise, coughing, coagulation disorders, and invasive procedures on/through the abdominal wall. The management is largely supportive, with the reversal of anticoagulation and transfusions; angioembolization may be necessary.

The management of sternal wound infections often requires pedicled flaps. In recent years, the emergence of perforator flaps has changed our management of wounds involving tissue loss. For sternal wounds, the superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap can be used with the propeller procedure with minimal donor site morbidity. In our practice, this flap has replaced the traditional latissimus dorsi and pectoralis major flaps in the treatment of many sternal wounds. We report our experience with 4 patients with large sternal wound infection after cardiothoracic operations. The SEAP flap appears a safe alternative for low-morbidity coverage of sternal infections. Moreover, muscle flaps remain available in case the SEAP flap fails.

In a comprehensive review of 17,096 deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps in 693 articles published between the first description of the DIEP flap in 1989 and August of 2011, the authors found that the methods used to categorize partial necrosis and fat necrosis were inconsistent. As a result, these surgical outcomes cannot be meaningfully compared among series and centers. In contrast, complete flap failure is an unambiguous and universally reported outcome that represents only a portion of the entire spectrum of flap necrosis.The authors created a database of every article with data on DIEP flaps by searching PubMed and Embase for the terms "DIEP," "DIEAP," "epigastric AND perforator," "perforator," and "flap AND reconstruction" and manually reviewing the 14,480 citations the search generated. The authors then reviewed 693 articles with data on DIEP flaps for incidence and other clinical details of flap loss, partial necrosis, and fat necrosis.The authors found a broad range of definitions of partial and fat necrosis based on different parameters (e.g., percentage of flap lost, area of flap lost, necessity of reoperation) that were not directly comparable. Of 152 documented DIEP flap losses, 67 had reported causes: 40 percent (27 of 67) involved venous problems, 28 percent (19 of 67) arterial, and 21 percent (14 of 67) mechanical (pedicle kinking, hematoma).At present, there is no consensus on the reporting of partial necrosis and flap necrosis. The authors propose a new flap necrosis classification system that prevents ambiguity and allows direct objective comparison of surgical outcomes among centers.

Extensive wounds about the knee can rarely be covered with local or even regional flaps. Free flaps often then become obligatory. Many factors will determine the surgeon's selection of the best donor site. Yet the patients' concerns with donor site morbidity cannot be overlooked. Most would agree that a large, but relatively thin flap would be optimal to preserve knee mobility. The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap would therefore not usually be the donor site of choice from the surgeon's perspective. However, the opportunity to have a concomitant abdominoplasty that would improve body image or result in a scar readily hidden by clothing is an enticement for the patient not to be dismissed, under what normally are otherwise depressing circumstances. Over the past decade, three female patients have chosen the DIEAP free flap solely for the latter reasons, fully realizing that later flap revision would be needed to improve the function and appearance at the recipient site. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:102–105, 2014.

The rectus abdominis flap offers a number of advantages over other flaps used in head and neck reconstruction. The flap can be harvested by a separate team and can be tailored to include skin, muscle, and fat. In addition, the available vascular pedicle is long and its large caliber provides an appropriate size match with recipient neck vessels. Central to reconstructive success is defining an arterial and venous pedicle that provides balanced perfusion to all components of the flap. Anomalous vascular anatomy presents principal challenges in reestablishing free flap perfusion. We present a case of double, right deep inferior epigastric arteries encountered during vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap reconstruction of the tongue and floor of the mouth and discuss the clinical outcomes of this reconstruction.

Free tissue transfer has been increasingly used in clinical practice since the 1970s, allowing reconstruction of complex and otherwise untreatable defects resulting from tumor extirpation, trauma, infections, malformations or burns. Free flaps are particularly useful for reconstructing highly complex anatomical regions, like those of the head and neck, the hand, the foot and the perineum. Moreover, basic and translational research in the area of free tissue transfer is of great clinical potential. Notwithstanding, surgical trainees and researchers are frequently deterred from using microsurgical models of tissue transfer, due to lack of information regarding the technical aspects involved in the operative procedures. The aim of this paper is to present the steps required to transfer a fasciocutaneous epigastric free flap to the neck in the rat. This flap is based on the superficial epigastric artery and vein, which originates from and drain into the femoral artery and vein, respectively. On average the caliber of the superficial epigastric vein is 0.6 to 0.8 mm, contrasting with the 0.3 to 0.5 mm of the superficial epigastric artery. Histologically, the flap is a composite block of tissues, containing skin (epidermis and dermis), a layer of fat tissue (panniculus adiposus), a layer of striated muscle (panniculus carnosus), and a layer of loose areolar tissue. Succinctly, the epigastric flap is raised on its pedicle vessels that are then anastomosed to the external jugular vein and to the carotid artery on the ventral surface of the rat's neck. According to our experience, this model guarantees the complete survival of approximately 70 to 80% of epigastric flaps transferred to the neck region. The flap can be evaluated whenever needed by visual inspection. Hence, the authors believe this is a good experimental model for microsurgical research and training. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Vulvar defects following tumor extirpation are most commonly closed primarily by the gynecologist but larger and/or radiated defects often require reconstruction with flaps for adequate coverage and wound healing. Recurrence of vulvar carcinomas remains a challenge, so secondary reconstruction becomes increasingly problematic where locoregional flaps (i.e., gracilis, rectus, anterolateral thigh, and gluteal flaps) may have already been utilized, radiated, or have resulted in unacceptable cosmetic or functional morbidity. We present two cases of recurrent vulvar carcinoma following radiation therapy requiring total vulvectomy and a novel approach for soft-tissue reconstruction. Previous authors have reported the use of thinned and split flaps, but we combine these techniques to split and thin a transversely oriented deep interior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap to maximize aesthetic results and minimize donor-site morbidity. The DIEP flap is commonly performed by microsurgeons for autologous free-tissue transfer in breast reconstruction but also serves as a useful option for large vulvar or perineal defects, either in primary or secondary reconstruction.

The commonly used flap models have drawbacks that limit their usefulness. In the random skin flap model, flap necrosis is caused by both arterial and venous insufficiency. In the axial skin flap model, flap viability is easily affected by the pedicle blood flow and can result in complete necrosis. This study aimed to establish a new rat skin flap model that has a consistent flap survival rate and in which venous congestion and arterial ischemia can be readily distinguished macroscopically.Rats underwent reverse U-shaped bipedicled superficial epigastric artery flap elevation. The right superficial epigastric vessels formed the pedicle. In the control rats (n = 3), the left superficial epigastric vessels were left intact. In the ischemia group (n = 10), the left superficial epigastric artery was ligated. In the congestion group (n = 10), the left superficial epigastric vein was ligated. The flap was returned to the original site and sutured. The surrounding neovascularization was blocked by polyurethane film. Flap survival rates were evaluated on postoperative day 3.The flaps in the ischemia and congestion groups were noticeably pale and violet, respectively. Flap necrosis was noted in the contralateral distal zone only. It started on postoperative day 2 in the ischemia and congestion groups. The mean flap survival rates of the control, ischemia, and congestion groups were 100 percent, 61.8 percent (range, 56.9 to 67.1 percent), and 42.3 percent (35.7 to 48.7 percent), respectively (all p0.001).The flap facilitated discrimination of the effects of ischemia and congestion. This new rat skin flap model is simple and easy to construct, and has a consistent flap survival rate.

Background: When using deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps in breast reconstruction, harvesting bipedicled flaps can be a valuable option in cases requiring the transfer of a large portion of harvested flaps. Connecting the bilateral deep inferior epigastric arteries (DIEAs) by intraflap crossover anastomosis is one of the most popular methods of constructing bipedicled DIEP flaps. Planning the primary and secondary pedicle configurations for reliable intraflap crossover anastomosis is crucial. To achieve this, detailed anatomical DIEA information might be helpful. However, meticulous planning of bipedicled DIEP flaps based on computed tomographic angiography has not been reported. Methods: Detailed anatomical investigation of DIEA branches was conducted using computed tomographic angiographs of 100 hemiabdomens. Thirty-eight prospectively collected patients who underwent breast reconstruction using bipedicled DIEP flaps with intraflap crossover under computed tomographic angiography–based planning were reviewed. Results: Three intramuscular DIEA branching patterns with distinct branch point topography, branch diameters, and superior continuations cranial to sizable perforators were observed. In the prospective clinical study, a primary pedicle with a recipient branch for intraflap crossover anastomosis could be specified preoperatively using computed tomographic angiography–based anatomical data of the pedicles, including size of DIEA branches or their superior continuation and size of perforators. In all cases, the bipedicle configuration was easily achieved as planned on computed tomographic angiography, and secure perfusion of the entire flap was achieved. Conclusions: The authors’ results suggest that computed tomographic angiography provides detailed anatomical DIEA information, and comprehensive analysis of these data allows precise planning of bipedicle configurations with intraflap crossover anastomosis in DIEP flaps. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.