A comprehensive classification and nomenclature for special-form perforator flaps: essentials and derivatives / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

The special form of perforator flap, initially derived from traditional perforator flap, have enhanced the connotation of perforator flap and extended its indications to more sophisticated applications. The special-form perforator flaps could be classified into 5 basic types and 18 derivatives. The 5 basic types consist of a Flow through perforator flap, a micro-dissected thin perforator flap, a polyfoliate perforator flap, a chimeric perforator flap and a conjoined perforator flap. The 18 derivatives are based on the combination of either 2, 3 or 4 types of the flaps from the 5 basic types named above, such as the Flow through-polyfoliate perforator flap, the Flow through-microdissected-polyfoliate perforator flap, and the Flow through-microdissected-chimeric-polyfoliate perforator flap etc.. In order to popularise the special forms of perforator flap, it is necessary to standardise the nomenclature and classification of the flaps. The present article provides a principle for nomenclature of the special-form perforator flaps and their derivatives, hence to facilitate the peer communications and clinical promotions.