Microsurgical anatomy and clinical application of thoracodorsal artery perforator flap / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the microsurgical anatomy of thoracodorsal artery perforators, and the clinical effect in repairing the soft tissue defect of hand with the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (TAP).Methods:From October, 2014 to November, 2014, the axillary arteries in 10 thoracodorsal specimens were perfused with red latex. The number and diameter of the perforators of the thoracodorsal arteries were mearsured. From January, 2015 to February, 2019, 52 cases of soft tissue defects in hand combined with bone and extensor tendon exposure were repaired with TAP. The patients were followed-up in outpatient department to observe the clinical efficacy.Results:The number of perforators of thoracodorsal artery was 2-4 mostly, and 3 perforators was the most. The diameter of perforators was 0.22-0.68 mm, and the distance between the perforating point and the posterior axillary wall was 5.2-11.8 cm. All the operations were completed successfully, and the donor sites were closed directly. In 52 cases, 48 flaps survived, 2 had partially necrosis, and 2 had completely necrosis. The patients were followed-up for 5 to 24 months. The blood supply of the flaps was good with soft texture and good appearance.Conclusion:The TAP is an ideal flap because of its thin in thickness, concealed donor area and no obvious scar after direct suture.