Common Carotid-to-Internal Jugular Arteriovenous Loop for Single-Stage Microsurgical Reconstruction in the Radiated Vessel-Depleted Neck

Free Functional Muscle Transfer in Brachial Plexus Injury Patients With Subclavian Artery Injury Using Arteriovenous Loop Grafts

BACKGROUND

Free functional muscle transfer (FFMT) for brachial plexus injury (BPI) requires adequate donor arterial flow for successful anastomosis. However, concomitant BPI and subclavian artery injury are not uncommon. Arteriovenous (AV) loop graft is one of the methods used to extend vessels to areas with vascular depletion. This case series aims to report the feasibility and outcomes of AV loop grafts for FFMT in BPI patients with subclavian artery injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This longitudinal descriptive report included adult patients with BPI and concomitant subclavian artery injury. Patients with adequate intra-operative thoracoacromial and/or thoracodorsal arterial flow, sufficient for FFMT without the need for an AV loop graft, were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 10 initially enrolled patients, three were excluded: two for adequate intra-operative arterial flow, and one for extensive adhesions around the external jugular vein, precluding the index surgery. Seven patients, with a median age of 37 years, mostly male and injured in motorcycle accidents, were included. Four patients underwent a single-stage operation (AV loop graft and FFMT simultaneously), while three patients underwent a two-stage operation. Success rates were 100% for the single-stage operation and 33% for the two-stage operation. The two-stage operation led to increased operative time, extended hospital stays, and anastomosis mismatch challenges. Successful cases regained gracilis muscle motor power for elbow flexion, achieving grade III-IV within 13-29 months.

CONCLUSION

FFMT with AV loop graft for BPI patients with subclavian artery injury is feasible and effective. Despite complex microsurgical requirements, these procedures significantly restore limb functionality when standard FFMT operations are insufficient.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06437990.

Analysis of vein grafting versus arteriovenous loop in microvascular head and neck reconstruction: Multicenter series of 36 patients

BACKGROUND

The utilization of an arteriovenous loop is an underreported technique that affords the creation of reliable vascular options. Understanding the efficacy and impacting variables of microvascular reconstruction with an arteriovenous loop can be critical to its use.

METHODS

Multi-institutional study of 36 patients who underwent vein grafting or AV loop with free tissue transfer.

RESULTS

58.3% of patients received prior radiation and 38.9% prior flap reconstruction. Flap success for vein grafting was 76% and AV loop was 100% (p = 0.16). Success for the radiated cohort was 90.5% and non-radiated 80% (p = 0.63). Flap success for the radiated, vein grafted patient was 83.3% and 100% flap success rate for radiated, AV loop patient (p = 0.49). Overall flap survival was 83.3% versus 97% overall success rate in the United States.

CONCLUSION

The AV loop is a viable modality for vessel-depleted free tissue reconstruction. Radiation and previous surgery do not significantly impact flap success rates.

Reconstruction of the Mandibular Condyle

The mandibular condyle is an integral structure in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) serving not only as the hinge point for mandibular opening, but also facilitating mandibular growth and contributing to facial aesthetics. Significant compromise of the TMJ can be debilitating functionally, psychologically, and aesthetically. Reconstruction of the mandibular condyle is rarely straightforward. Multiple considerations must be accounted for when preparing for condylar reconstruction such as ensuring eradication of all chronically diseased or infected bone, proving clear oncologic margins following tumor resection, or achieving stability of the surrounding architecture in the setting of a traumatic injury. Today, there is not one single gold-standard reconstructive method or material; ongoing investigation and innovation continue to improve and transform condylar reconstruction. Herein, we review methods of condylar reconstruction focusing on autologous and alloplastic materials, surgical techniques, and recent technological advances.