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Lohasammakul S, Lee SJ, Suppasilp C, Sirivongs N, Koedpuech K, Numwong T, Ratanalekha R, Han HH. A clinical application for arterial coupling and histomorphometric comparison of internal mammary and thoracodorsal arteries for safe use. Microsurgery 2024; 44:e31214. [PMID: 39031998 DOI: 10.1002/micr.31214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In breast reconstruction, arterial coupling has been reported to be more favorable in the thoracodorsal artery (TDA) than the internal mammary artery (IMA). This technique may help overcome anastomosis in a small, deep space. Understanding the arteries' mechanical properties is crucial for breast reconstruction's safety and success. METHODS Abdominal-based free flap breast reconstructions performed by a single surgeon between 2020 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were classified by microanastomosis technique (handsewn and coupler device) to compare the rate of vascular revision. Histomorphometric analysis of arterial coupling in TDA and IMA was performed in 10 fresh cadavers for comparing wall thickness and composition, including densities of elastic fiber, smooth muscle, and collagen. RESULTS A total of 309 patients (339 reconstructed breasts) were included. There were 29 patients in the TDA handsewn group (A), 38 patients in the TDA coupler group (B), and 242 patients in the IMA handsewn group (C). The rates of arterial revision in groups A, B, and C were 0.00% (95%CI: 0.00%-11.03%), 2.5% (95%CI: 0.44%-12.88%), and 1.49% (95%CI: 0.58%-3.77%), respectively, with no statistically significant differences (p-value = .694). Histologically, the thickness of the tunica media and adventitia between IMA and TDA showed no significant difference. The density of elastic fiber was significantly higher in IMA (16.70%) than in TDA (0.79%) (p-value <.001). CONCLUSION The histologic characteristics of TDA are more favorable for arterial coupling than those of IMA. Arterial coupling is a safe option in situations where TDA anastomosis must be performed through a narrow and deep incision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suphalerk Lohasammakul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Joon Lee
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaiyawat Suppasilp
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natawan Sirivongs
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasem Koedpuech
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Terasut Numwong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rosarin Ratanalekha
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Hyun Ho Han
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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Tokumoto H, Akita S, Yamamoto E, Nakamura R, Hayama S, Kosaka K, Kubota Y, Mitsukawa N. Open-Y technique for the internal mammary vein in the free abdominal flap of unilateral breast reconstruction. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2024; 95:97-103. [PMID: 38879941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In microvascular breast reconstruction, the internal mammary vein (IMV) has emerged as the most common recipient vein. The open-Y technique can increase the vessel diameter via the bifurcation site. This study aimed to investigate the open-Y technique for IMV. METHODS The characteristics and details of the operative procedure in patients who had undergone unilateral breast reconstruction with and without the open-Y approach for the free abdominal flap were compared. Differences in IMV anastomosis site (the bifurcation of the main duct or that of the perforator branch) were also compared in patients with the open-Y technique. The open-Y technique was performed on the IMV side. RESULTS The open-Y and conventional groups included 127 and 62 patients, respectively. The main duct diameter of IMV was significantly smaller (median 2.5 vs. 3.0 mm, P < 0.001), and the rate of right-sided anastomosis (47.2 vs. 82.3%, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the open-Y group. When comparing the main duct and perforator groups, the branch diameter (1.8 vs. 1.0 mm, P < 0.001) and the diameter after the open-Y technique (5.0 vs. 3.9 mm, P < 0.001) were significantly higher, and the angle of bifurcation (45° vs. 60°, P = 0.007) was significantly lower in the main duct group. CONCLUSIONS Given a small venous diameter, the open-Y technique is superior, especially for left-sided breast reconstruction. Owing to the lower angle of bifurcation and large diameter, the open-Y technique at the main duct bifurcation of IMV causes less turbulence in the blood flow. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The open-Y technique is especially effective for left-sided breast reconstruction. Considering the lower angle of bifurcation and large diameter, the open-Y technique at the main duct bifurcation of the internal mammary vein causes less turbulence in the blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Tokumoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center Hospital, Japan.
| | - Shinsuke Akita
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Erina Yamamoto
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
| | - Rikiya Nakamura
- Department of Breast Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
| | - Shouko Hayama
- Department of Breast Surgery, Chiba Cancer Center Hospital, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kosaka
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Kubota
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mitsukawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Chiba University, Faculty of Medicine, Japan
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Kim J, Lee KT. Microsurgical reconstruction using thoracoacromial vessels as recipients for complicated chest wall defects. Microsurgery 2024; 44:e31164. [PMID: 38530144 DOI: 10.1002/micr.31164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Free tissue transfer is often required for the reconstruction of complex and deep anterior chest wall wounds, for which the identification of suitable recipient vessels is crucial. Although the internal mammary arteries (IMAs) are a representative option, identifying secondary options when these vessels are compromised remains a challenge. This report evaluated the efficacy of using the thoracoacromial vessels (TAVs) as recipients for chest wall reconstruction by reviewing our experience. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing free-flap-based chest wall reconstruction using TAVs as recipient vessels from February 2020 to March 2023. Patient demographics and surgery-related characteristics data were collected. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of flap perfusion-related complications. RESULTS In total, 12 cases utilized TAVs as recipients, primarily for defects following sternotomy, where bilateral IMA was unavailable due to prior surgery. The TAVs with reliable perfusion were consistently identified beneath the pectoralis major muscle. The anterolateral thigh flap was predominantly employed, with musculocutaneous or chimeric flaps introduced for bony defects. The mean pedicle length of the harvested flap was 7.2 cm (range, 3-13), and in cases with a vascular gap, the pedicle was extended using an arteriovenous interposition graft. This resulted in a mean pedicle length needed to reach recipient vessels of 9.9 cm (range, 6.5-19). All flaps survived, with only one experiencing partial necrosis. CONCLUSIONS The TAV could be considered as an attractive alternative recipient vessel in microsurgical reconstruction of complicated chest wall defects when the use of IMA is not feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Kim
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyeong-Tae Lee
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Changchien CH, Fang CL, Hsu CH, Yang HY, Lin YL. Creating a context for recipient vessel selection in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2023; 84:618-625. [PMID: 37453149 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2023.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In autologous tissue breast reconstruction, recipient vessels are important for artery perfusion and venous drainage to ensure free flap survival. There are insufficient clinical outcomes to select efficient recipient vessels in bi-pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction. METHODS We presented a retrospective observational series of 108 patients regarding the diameter, anastomosis time, and re-anastomosis rate in internal mammary (IM), circumflex scapular (CS), thoracodorsal (TD), thoracoacromial (TA), lateral thoracic (LT), and internal mammary perforator (IMP) vessels of bi-pedicled DIEP flaps for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The outcomes were the vessel re-anastomosis rate, flap failure rate, vessel anastomosis time, and complications. Data were gleaned from the chi-square test, Fisher's test, and analysis of variance using Scheffe's test as a post hoc analysis. The level of significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the diameters of the artery, first vein, and second vein across the recipient vessels (p > 0.05). However, the anastomosis time was longer in IM and TA than in CS, TD, and LT (p < 0.001). Also, there were no significant differences for re-anastomosis, flap necrosis, and fat necrosis among different recipient vessels (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Because of the altered mastectomy incisions, this study provides complete anatomical vascular properties and suggests that altering recipient vessel selection for bi-pedicled DIEP flaps can shorten anastomosis time and better conceal scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsuan Changchien
- Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Fang
- Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan; Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Chin-Hao Hsu
- Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan.
| | - Hsin-Yi Yang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Division of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery, Department of Surgery, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi City, Taiwan.
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Kim PJ, Yuan M, Wu J, Gallo L, Uhlman K, Voineskos SH, O’Neill A, Hofer SO. "Spin" in Observational Studies in Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5095. [PMID: 37351115 PMCID: PMC10284325 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is widely used in autologous breast reconstruction. However, the technique relies heavily on nonrandomized observational research, which has been found to have high risk of bias. "Spin" can be used to inappropriately present study findings to exaggerate benefits or minimize harms. The primary objective was to assess the prevalence of spin in nonrandomized observational studies on DIEP reconstruction. The secondary objectives were to determine the prevalence of each spin category and strategy. Methods MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from January 1, 2015, to November 15, 2022. Spin was assessed in abstracts and full-texts of included studies according to criteria proposed by Lazarus et al. Results There were 77 studies included for review. The overall prevalence of spin was 87.0%. Studies used a median of two spin strategies (interquartile range: 1-3). The most common strategies identified were causal language or claims (n = 41/77, 53.2%), inadequate extrapolation to larger population, intervention, or outcome (n = 27/77, 35.1%), inadequate implication for clinical practice (n = 25/77, 32.5%), use of linguistic spin (n = 22/77, 28.6%), and no consideration of the limitations (n = 21/77, 27.3%). There were no significant associations between selected study characteristics and the presence of spin. Conclusions The prevalence of spin is high in nonrandomized observational studies on DIEP reconstruction. Causal language or claims are the most common strategy. Investigators, reviewers, and readers should familiarize themselves with spin strategies to avoid misinterpretation of research in DIEP reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Kim
- From the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Morgan Yuan
- Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeremy Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lucas Gallo
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathryn Uhlman
- Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophocles H. Voineskos
- Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne O’Neill
- Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stefan O.P. Hofer
- Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bonczar M, Gabryszuk K, Ostrowski P, Batko J, Rams DJ, Krawczyk-Ożóg A, Wojciechowski W, Walocha J, Koziej M. The thoracoacromial trunk: a detailed analysis. SURGICAL AND RADIOLOGIC ANATOMY : SRA 2022; 44:1329-1338. [PMID: 36094609 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-022-03016-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The thoracoacromial trunk (TAT) originates from the second part of the axillary artery and curls around the superomedial border of the pectoralis minor, subsequently piercing the costocoracoid membrane. Knowledge about the location, morphology, and variations of the TAT and its branches is of great surgical importance due to its frequent use in various reconstructive flaps. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted to establish anatomical variations, their prevalence, and morphometric data on TAT and its branches. The results of 55 consecutive patients who underwent neck and thoracic computed tomography angiography were analyzed. A qualitative evaluation of each TAT was performed. RESULTS A total of 15 morphologically different TAT variants were initially established. The median length of the TAT was set at 7.74 mm (LQ 3.50; HQ 13.65). The median maximum diameter of the TAT was established at 4.19 mm (LQ 3.86; HQ 4.90). The median TAT ostial area was set to 13.97 mm (LQ 11.70; HQ 18.86). To create a heat map of the most frequent location of the TAT, measurements of the relating structures were made. CONCLUSION In this study, the morphology and variations of the branching pattern of the TAT were presented, proposing a new classification system based on the four most commonly prevalent types. The prevalence of each branch arising directly from the TAT was also analyzed. It is hoped that the results of the present anatomical analysis can help to minimize potential complications when performing plastic or reconstructive procedures associated with TAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Bonczar
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Gabryszuk
- Chiroplastica-The Lower Silesian Center of Hand Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Ostrowski
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jakub Batko
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Daniel Jakub Rams
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agata Krawczyk-Ożóg
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Wadim Wojciechowski
- Department of Radiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Walocha
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Koziej
- Department of Anatomy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Mikołaja Kopernika 12, 33-332, Kraków, Poland.
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