J Reconstr Microsurg 2011; 27(2): 109-114
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1268209
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Short Interposed Pedicle of Flow-Through Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reliable Reconstruction of Damaged Upper Extremity

Kazunori Yokota1 , 2 , 3 , Toru Sunagawa3 , 4 , Osami Suzuki2 , 3 , Misa Nakanishi1 , 2 , 3 , Mitsuo Ochi2 , 3
  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Graduate School of Biochemical Science, Hiroshima, Japan
  • 2Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Biochemical Science, Hiroshima, Japan
  • 3Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
  • 4Department of Locomotor System Dysfunction, Graduate School of Health Science, Hiroshima, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 October 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

In microvascular reconstructive surgery, the recipient vessel in free flap transfer is often sacrificed to provide the vascular pedicle anastomosis. As the recipient vessel is likely to be necessary for distal circulation in the damaged upper extremity, preserving its patency is critical. Flow-through anastomosis is one method that preserves the recipient vessel's patency. We present here eight patients who underwent upper-extremity reconstructions with a free flow-through anterolateral thigh flap. The flap's short vascular pedicle was interposed into a division of the radial artery and anastomosed on both sides of the pedicle's T-shaped arterial segment. The flow-through flap has various advantages, not only making it possible to reconstruct both vessels and soft tissues but also preserving recipient vessels and balancing the blood supply or pressure in the flap. In clinical situations that do not require reconstruction of the artery, the short interposed pedicle of the free anterolateral thigh flow-through flap offers a versatile and reliable option for microsurgical reconstruction of defects in the upper extremities.

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Kazunori YokotaM.D. Ph.D. 

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku

Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan

Email: kyokota@hiroshima-u.ac.jp