0000000000808115
AUTHOR
Tiziana Roggio
Porcine Model for Internal Mammary Vessels Harvesting
Recipient vessels selection is crucial for successful microsurgical breast reconstruction. The internal mammary vessels (IMVs) have gained great popularity, and they are often selected as first choice recipient vessels. The IMVs can be exposed for microvascular anastomosis through a rib-removing (trans-costal) or a rib-sparing (intercostal) approach.1–3 Because the vessels are located between the rib cage and the parietal pleura, adequate training is needed to avoid and eventually manage bleedings and pleural perforation. This training is better performed in a nonhuman model. Our aim was to investigate the pig as a surgical model for IMVs harvesting to be used in training.
Pedicled Flaps for Anterior Chest Wall Reconstruction
Pedicled local or regional flaps are the main reconstructive tool for chest wall defects. Muscle or musculocutaneous flaps are most commonly used, with the latissimus dorsi and the pectoralis major being the workhorse flaps. However, perforator flaps have recently affirmed even for reconstruction of complex defects. A thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy of the thorax and of the patient’s medical history is essential for selecting the best reconstructive option. The defect location, size, and depth as well as previous surgeries in the same area are the main issues affecting the reconstructive choices.
Vascular Grafts and Flow-through Flaps for Microsurgical Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Background The use of vascular grafts is indicated in case of insufficient pedicle length or for complex defects involving both soft tissues and vessels. Venous grafts (for both venous and arterial reconstructions) and arterial grafts (arterial reconstruction) can be used. This study retrospectively evaluated the needs for vascular reconstruction and its results in a clinical series of lower limb reconstructions with microsurgical free flaps. Materials and Methods From 2010 to 2015, a total of 16 vascular grafts or flow-through flaps were used in 12 patients out of a total of 150 patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction (8%). Arterial reconstruction was performed in seven cases (si…