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Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of free sensate intercostal artery perforator flap for the hand soft tissue reconstruction. Methods: Between March 2010 and September 2015, 19 cases of hand soft tissue defect were repaired with free sensate intercostal artery perforator flap, including 16 males and 3 females, aged from 18 to 53 years, with an average of 35.2 years. The defect was located in the dorsum of the hand in 15 cases and in the palm in 4 cases. The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 8 cases, hot crush injury in 5 cases, strangulation injury in 4 cases, and avulsion injury in 2 cases. All of them were full-thickness skin and soft tissue defects of hand with exposure of phalanges, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. The size of defect was 10.0 cm×7.0 cm to 17.0 cm×8.0 cm. There were 12 cases of emergency operation and 7 cases of selective operation. The thickness of flap was 10-25 mm, and the size of the flap ranged from 10.0 cm×7.5 cm to 17.0 cm×8.0 cm. The vascular pedicle of the flap was anastomosed with the snuff nest branch of the radial artery (12 cases), the main radial artery (7 cases), and there accompanying vein, and the intercostal nerve cutaneous branch of the flap was anastomosed with the lateral cutaneous nerve of the forearm. The donor site was closed directly (14 cases) or repaired with medium thickness skin graft (5 cases). Results: All of the flaps and skin grafts survived; the wounds in the donor and recipient sites healed by first intention. All 19 patients were followed up 10- 18 months, with an average of 12.7 months. After operation, the appearance and function of the hand recovered well, and there was no flap bloated. The two-point discrimination of the flap was 7-11 mm, with an average of 8.8 mm. Only linear scars left in the patients with direct closure of the donor site. The sensory function of the donor site was not significantly affected, and the hand function recovered satisfactorily. Conclusion: Free sensate intercostal artery perforator flap is a valuable and reliable technique for the hand soft tissue defect.
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Introduction Reconstruction of large posterior trunk soft tissue defects poses a challenging problem. Until recently, these defects were reconstructed with multiple random pattern flaps, local pedicled muscle flaps and musculocutaneous flaps.The posterior intercostal arteries form the major angiosome of the trunk through multiple perforators to the skin.Some studies in the recent literature have highlighted the reliability of the classical DICAP flap in the posterior trunk reconstruction. Aim: To determine the efficacy, reliability and clinical outcomes of the add-on extended dorsal intercostal artery perforator propeller flaps (AOE-DICAP)for the reconstruction of large posterior trunk defects. Materials & Methods: Six patients (3 infants and 3 adults) with posterior trunk defects due to variousaetiologies were reconstructed with AOE-DICAP flap. Result: All flaps survived completely, except for superficial epidermolysis at the distal border of the flap in one patient that healed secondarily. Average follow up was 12 months. Conclusion: Add-on extended DICAP (AOE-DICAP) flap provides an excellent stable cover and a viable option for large median and para-median back defects reconstruction.
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Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in repair of large complex tissue defects of limb and the relaying posterior intercostal artery perforator flap in repair of donor defect after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer. Methods: Between January 2016 and May 2017, 9 patients with large complex tissue defects were treated. There were 8 males and 1 female with a median age of 33 years (range, 21-56 years). The injury caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, and the time from post-traumatic admission to flap repair was 1-3 weeks (mean, 13 days). The defect in 1 case was caused by the resection of medial vastus muscle fibrosarcoma. There were 5 cases of upper arm defects and 4 cases of thigh defects. The size of wounds ranged from 20 cm×12 cm to 36 cm×27 cm. There were biceps brachii defect in 2 cases, triceps brachii defect in 3 cases, biceps femoris defect in 2 cases, quadriceps femoris defect in 2 cases, humerus fracture in 2 cases, brachial artery injury in 2 cases, and arteria femoralis split defect combined with nervus peroneus communis and tibia nerve split defect in 1 case. The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps were used to repair the wounds and reconstruct the muscle function. The size of the skin flaps ranged from 22 cm×13 cm to 39 cm×28 cm; the size of the muscle flaps ranged from 12 cm×3 cm to 18 cm×5 cm. The wounds were repaired with pedicle flaps and free flaps in upper limbs and lower limbs, respectively. The donor sites were repaired with posterior intercostal artery perforator flaps. The size of flaps ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 17 cm×8 cm. The second donor sites were sutured directly. Results: All the flaps survived smoothly and the wounds and donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 10-19 months (mean, 13 months). At last follow-up, the flaps had good appearances and textures. The muscle strength recovered to grade 4 in 5 cases and to grade 3 in 4 cases. After latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer, the range of motion of shoulder joint was 40-90°, with an average of 70°. The two-point discrimination of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap was 9-15 mm (mean, 12.5 mm), and that of posterior intercostal artery perforator flap was 8-10 mm (mean, 9.2 mm). There were only residual linear scars at the second donor sites. Conclusion: The latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap combined with posterior intercostal artery perforator flap for the large complex tissue defects and donor site can not only improve the appearance of donor and recipient sites, but also reconstruct muscle function, and reduce the incidence of donor complications.
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Objective: To explore the clinical application of vascular augmentation of an extra-long latissimus dorsi flap through an intercostal artery in limb wound repair. Methods: Between January 2016 and December 2017, 5 patients with limb wounds were treated with the extra-long latissimus dorsi flaps. The vascular augmentation of the extra-long latissimus dorsi flap through the intercostal artery was applied during the operation. There were 4 males and 1 female, with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 43-59 years). The time from post-traumatic admission to flap repair was 7-25 days (mean, 12.3 days). The causes of injury included machine injury in 2 cases, traffic accident in 2 cases, and roller crush injury in 1 case. The wounds were located at the anterior of upper limb in 3 cases, the posterior of upper limb in 1 case, and the posterior of leg in 1 case. The size of wounds ranged from 26 cm×8 cm to 38 cm×10 cm. The size of the latissimus dorsi flap ranged from 36 cm×6 cm to 43 cm×7 cm. The size of the muscle flap ranged from 36 cm×10 cm to 43 cm×15 cm. The donor sites were closed directly. Results: The distal flap necrosis occurred in 1 case and healed after symptomatically treatment. The other flaps survived completely. The wounds and incisions at donor sites healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-18 months with an average of 14.9 months. At last follow-up, the flaps had satisfactory appearances, soft textures, and function of sweating. Conclusion: Application of vascular augmentation of the extra-long latissimus dorsi flap through the intercostal artery in repair of limb wound can reduce the incidence of distal flap necrosis and achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
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Objective To explore the surgical method and clinical effect of repairing the large area skin defect of forearm with the perforator flap pedicle with the inferior epigastric artery perforator and the lateral cutaneous branch of the posterior intercostal artery.Methods From January,2006 to January,2016,14 cases of forearm large area of skin defects were treated with the ovedength flap at one stage.The proximal flap to the inferior epigastric artery umbilical perforation and the flap distal to the posterior interphalangeal artery perforation were used for the blood supply of superficial flap.The length of the flap was 25-43 cm (average,36 cm).The width of the flap was 5-14 cm (average,9 cm).All patients were followed-up regularly.The content of the follow-up included three aspects:appearance,hand function and the recovery of the donor site.Results Twelve cases of postoperative flaps successfully survived.Arterial crisis was seen in 1 flap 28 hours after surgery.The re-surgical exploration was adopted after conservation treatment for 1 h without remission and the proximal anastomotic flap embolization was confirmed.The flap survived.Venous crisis was seen in 1 case.The flap survived with the help of removing the suture,smoothing drainage and bleeding for 5 d.The wounds and the donor site of the thoracic and abdominal region healed at the first stage.The follow-up time was 8-72 months,with an average of 31 months.The flaps had no obvious bloated,the skin texture was close to forearm skin and the flaps were restored protected sensation.There was no ulceration,infection and other complications.The healing of skin graft was satisfactory in 2 cases in abdominal donor site.No skin graft contracture occurred.The remaining 12 cases had linear scar in the abdomen of the donor site.The edge of the scar was soft and no obvious contracture occurred.Conclusion Super long thoracic umbilical conjoined perforator flap can repair the lager area skin defect of forearm with double blood supply.The length of flap is significantly longer with enoughblood-supply of distal part of the flap.The clinical efffect is satisfactory.
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Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ilioinguinal conjoined perforator flap transplantation pedicled with the superficial circumflex iliac artery,the anterior fourth lumbar artery or the posterior intercostal artery.Methods Between April,2005 to August,2015,6 patients diagnosed as large skin defects in the upper extremity were treated with ilioinguinal conjoined perforator flap transplantation pedicled with the superficial circumflex iliac artery,the anterior fourth lumbar artery or the posterior intercostal artery.The proximal flap blood supply was offered by the superficial circumflex iliac artery,and the distal flap blood supply was provided by the anterior fourth lumbar artery or the posterior intercostal artery.The maximal size of the flap was measured as 35.0 cm×15.0 cm,and the minimal size was 25.0 cm×9.0 cm.The donor sites of the flap were directly sutured.All cases were implemented by postoperative followup visit in hospital for observation of appearance,texture,functions and donor site of flaps.Results Postoperatively,all flaps survived.The follow-up time endured for 6 to 24 months.The flap thickness was appropriate with normal shape and soft texture.Protective sensation and perspiration function of the flap were restored.Linear scars alone were observed in the donor sites of the flap.Conclusion Ilioinguinal conjoined perforator flap transplantation pedicled with the superficial circumflex iliac artery,the anterior fourth lumbar artery or the posterior intercostal artery can extend the excision scope of the flap and provides sufficient blood supply for the flap.The flap texture is soft and can be directly sutured.This technique is an ideal option for repairing of large soft tissue defects of the upper extremity.
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Comparing with free perforator flap, pedicled flap is a relatively simpler and safer technique, with lesser donor site morbidity. In recent years, the application of pedicled perforator flaps has emerged as a new option for breast reconstruction. Those pedicled perforator flaps include thoracodorsal artery perforator flap, intercostal artery perforator flap (lateral intercostal artery perforator flap, anterior intercostal perforator flap) etc. Serratus anterior artery perforator flap, superior epigastric artery perforator flap, and lateral thoracic artery perforator flap can also be raised technically. To enhance surgical accuracy, it is necessary to evaluate the location and quality of perforator vessels preoperatively. Proper flap design is of more importance for pedicled flap when compared with it's free flap counterpart. Although free flap approach remains the golden standard in breast reconstruction when considering autologous tissue transplantation, pedicled perforator flap has the apparent merits of minimized surgical trauma, less time-consuming and less stress for reconstructive surgeons.
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Objective To identify the risk factors for postoperative spinal cord injury in Stanford type A aortic dissection patients.Methods 210 Stanford type A aortic dissection(TAAD) patients underwent Sun's procedure in Beijing Aortic Disease Center during July 2014 to March 2015.14 patients had spinal cord injury after surgery.Clinical data and computed tomography angiography(CTA) imaging of aorta were retrospectively analyzed and multi-logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for spinal cord injury post operation.Results 14 out of 210(6.7％) patients had transient or permanent spinal cord injury after surgery.Univariate analysis showed only false lumen derived intercostal arteries at eighth thoracic vertebral level (T8) to first lumbar vertebral level (L1) was significantly associated with post-surgery spinal cord injury (P =0.000).Multi-logistic regression analysis showed that false lumen derived intercostal arteries (P =0.000) and age (P =0.016) were significantly associated with postoperative spinal cord injury.Conclusion Major intercostal arteries derived from false lumen and rapid thrombogenesis in false lumen are the major risk factors for postoperative spinal cord injury in Stanford type A aortic dissection patients.
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The aetiology, incidence and management of type II endoleaks in standard infrarenal endovascular aortic aneurysm repair is well described. Far less data is available for thoracic stent grafting. We present a rare and interesting case of a type II endoleak post thoracic aortic stenting and highlight the aberrant anatomy that can cause this phenomenon in such cases.
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Aneurysm , Aortic Aneurysm , Arteries , Blood Vessel Prosthesis , Endoleak , Incidence , StentsABSTRACT
Objective To assess potential suitability of the intercostal artery as a conduit in coronary bypass graft.Methods Collected 36 cases of chinese adult thoracic aorta CTA original cross-sectional images,the images were retrospectively reconstructed under volume rendering technology (VR),multi-planar reconstruction (MPR),curved planar reformation (CPR) and maximum intensity projection(MIP).Observed and measured the data of the 8th,9th and 10th bilateral intercostal arteries and internal thoracic arteries.Results Toshiba 320-slice volume scanning CT can clearly display the intercostal arteries.The average length and diameter at corresponding point of the left and right 8-10th intercostal artery is similar,all the length is longer than 180 mm,and the diameter at axillary line is all bigger than 2.1 mm,the mean length of right intercostal arteries is slightly longer than the left intercostal arteries,the diameter at each corresponding point of left and right intercostal artery is similar,and equivalent to approximately 85％-90％ of internal thoracic artery.Conclusion Intercostal artery can be used as an ideal alternative vessel in coronary artery bypass grafting.
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ObjectiveTo retrospectively analysis the role of intercostal artery reconstruction in spinal cord protection for patients with extent thoracoabdominal aotic aneurysm (TAAA) repair.MethodsFrom August 2003 to August 2010,extent Crawford Ⅱ TAAA repair were performed in 81 consecutive patients with mean age (39.4 ± 10.3) years and 61 (75.3％)were males.All the procedures were performed under profound hypothermia with interval cardiac arrest.Patientswere opened with a thoracoabdominal incision.Extracorporeal circulation was instituted with two arterial cannulae and a single venous cannula in the right atrium.T6 to T12 intercostal arteries and L1,2 lumbar arteries were formed to a neo-intercostal artery in place and were connected to an 8mm branch for keeping spinal cord blood perfusion.Visceral arteries were joined into a patch and anastomosed to the end of the main graft.Left renal artery was anastomosed to an 8mm branch or joined to the patch.The other 10mm branches were anastomosed to iliac arteries.ResultsWith 100％ follow-up,early mortality was 7.4％ (6/81),one patient was dead result from cerebral hemorrhage,three from renal failure,one from heart failure because of myocardial infarction and one from rupture of cliac artery dissection.Postoperative spinal cord deficits was 3.7％ (3/81),temporary paraplegia were observed in 2 patients and paraparesis occurred in 1 patient,but all of them were without bladder or rectum deficits.Neo- intercostal arteries were clogged in 12 patients within follow-up,and two of those patients with Marfan syndrome underwent pseudoaneurysm after intercostal arteries reconstruction.The mean survival time in this group is (54.22 ± 3.03 )months (95％ CI:44.37 months,59.90 months)with survival rate 92.37％ after 1 year,89.02％ after 2 years,85.54％ after 5 years.Three patient were dead with long term follow-up,one were resulted from cerebral hemorrhage at 20th month,one from rupture of ascending aorta at 23rd month and the last from rupture of aorta ulcer.ConclusionIntercostal artery reconstruction is a reliable method in spinal cord protection for patients with TAAA repair.It is a feasible method with acceptable surgical risks and satisfactory results.It can achieve long term result with less risk of spinal cord deficits and good quality of daily life.
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Objective To provide the applied anatomy of the posterior intercostal artery perforator flap and the clinical results of repairing the soft tissue defects with lateral perforator flap. Methods Six fresh adult cadavers were injected with a lead oxide-gelatin mixture for three-dimensional visualization reconstruction using a 64-slice spiral computed tomography scanner and specialized software (Materiaise's interactive medical image control system,MIMICS).The origin,course,diameter,and distribution of the the 6-10th posterior intercostal artery perforators in the thoroax region were observed and measured.Clinically,nine cases were treated with the lateral perforator flap supplied by 7-10th posterior intercostal artery transplantation for repairing wounds in upper limbs.The flap size was 9 cm × 7 cm-16 cm × 12 cm. Results The 6-10th posterior intercostal artery perforator (outer diameter 1.70 ± 0.14 mm) were from the artery in the chest region, which pierce in deep fascia near midaxillary line. The average pedicle length from the deep fascia was (87.56 ± 6.48) mm.All of 9 cases were repaired successfully,the clinical results were satisfactory.Conclusion The posterior intercostal artery perforator flap can be used to form many kinds of axial skin flaps,it is a good option for repairing soft-tissue defect.
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OBJECTIVE: To predict which intercostal artery supplies a tumor by examining the spatial relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the intercostal artery feeding the tumor on transverse computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and September 2009, 46 intercostal arteries supplying HCCs smaller than 4 cm were noted in 44 patients, and CT scans and angiograms of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. The intercostal artery feeding the tumor was marked on the CT scan showing the center of the tumor. In addition, its spatial relationship with the tumor center was examined. The angle of the tumor location was measured on the transverse CT scan in the clockwise direction from the sagittal line on the virtual circle centered in the right hemithorax. Correlations between the angle of the tumor location and the level of the tumor-feeding intercostal artery were assessed with the Spearman rank coefficient. RESULTS: Of 46 intercostal arteries feeding HCC, 39 (85%) were the first ones observed from the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on the transverse CT image containing the tumor center. The level of the tumor-feeding intercostal artery was significantly correlated with the angle of the tumor, as the posteriorly located tumor tends to be supplied by lower intercostal arteries, while the laterally located tumor by upper intercostal arteries (Spearman coefficient = -0.537; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We can predict the tumor feeder with an accuracy of 85% as the first intercostal artery encountered from the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on a transverse CT image.
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Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply , Chemoembolization, Therapeutic , Liver Neoplasms/blood supply , Multidetector Computed TomographyABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the clinical value of intercostal arterial embolization for the treatment of hemoptysis.Methods A total of 91 patients with hemoptysis were enrolled in this study.Intercostal arterial embolization was performed using gelatin sponge.The patients were closely observed after the operation.For recurrent cases,re-embolization was carried out after identifying the causes of relapse.Results A total of 111 operations were performed on the 91 patients,including embolization of the bronchial and intercostal arteries in 74 cases,and simple embolization of the intercostal artery in 17.The rate of immediate hemostasis was 98.9%(90/91).The patients were followed up for 8 to 14 months,during which the recurrent rate was 15.4%(14/91).No serious complication occurred during the follow-up.Conclusion By embolizing both bronchial and intercostal arteries,the efficacy of the procedure can be increased and the rate the recurrence decreased,as long as proper measures have been taken to avoid serious complications.
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Objective To assess the value of the additional intercostal arterial embolization in the management of hemoptysis.Methods Sixteen patients with confirmation of intercostal artery possibly contributing to the hemoptysis by angiography were embolized including intercostal arteries and bronchial arteries with silk threads. Results Sixteen patients with hemoptysis were treated by 19 times of embolization involving both intercostal arteries and bronchial arteries in 15 cases and only intercostal artery in 1 case.Hemoptysis was disappeared right after the procedure in 13 cases(81.3%).Recurrance of hemoptysis occurred in 2 patients.The procedure was ineffective in 2 patients.The total effective rate reached 87.5% with no significant complications related to embolization. Conclusion Intercostal artery embolization could be useful for increasing the effective rate and decreasing the recurrence rate in the management of hemoptysis.
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Spontaneous hemothorax may be developed as a complication of von Reckilnghausen's disease. It is rare but fatal. A 60 year old man with von Reckilnghausen's disease was admitted to our hospital because of left chest and shoulder pain. Radiograph of chest showed a massive left pleural effusion. Thoracentesis revealed gross blood. The peripheral angiography was done to determine the source of bleeding and its finding showed intercostal artery aneurysm in left 7th rib. No active bleeding from the aneurysm was seen. The source of the hemothorax was believed to be hemorrhage from rupture of intercostal artery aneurysm. He was inserted chest tube and treated embolization of intercostal artery aneurysm.