ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Perforator flaps are used to repair skin and soft tissue defects. As a bridge between adjacent perforator vessels, choke vessels play an important role in the survival of extended perforator flap. OBJECTIVE: To review the research status and progress of the growth of choke vessels in perforator flaps. METHODS: A computer-based search of PubMed, CNKI and SinoMed databases was performed for the relevant literature concerning the research status and progress of the growth of choke vessels in perforator flaps published from 1984 to 2017. The keywords were "perforator flap, perforator vessels, choke vessels, choke zone" in English and Chinese, respectively.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Totally 51 articles were included for summary. Perforator flaps are extensively used to repair skin and soft tissue defects caused by various factors. Adjacent perforter vessels are connected by choke vessels, and the extended perforter flap survival is closely related to the dilatation and growth of choke vessels. Similarity may exist between the growth of choke vessel and angiogenesis. Hypoxia and ischemic preconditioning and inflammatory environment may promote the growth of choke vessels.