Algorithm for Free Perforator Flap Selection in Lower Extremity Reconstruction Based on 563 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction remains a challenge. The use of perforator flaps in lower extremity reconstruction is expanding. The authors present an algorithm to guide in the selection of the ideal free perforator flap that can be tailored to each lower extremity defect. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of lower extremity reconstruction using free perforator flaps over a 7-year period. Demographics, comorbidities, defect characteristics, operative details, complications, and secondary procedures were documented. Pairwise comparisons of flap types were performed to differentiate flaps on the basis of flap size, thickness, and pedicle length. RESULTS: A total of 563 free perforator flaps were performed. The most common causes were trauma (36.5 percent) and diabetes (24.4 percent). Nine flaps were used, with the most common being superficial circumflex iliac perforator (51.2 percent) and anterolateral thigh (33.2 percent). Size differed significantly between flap types (p < 0.05), with the exception of thoracodorsal artery perforator versus gluteal artery perforator flaps (p = 0.26). The thinnest flaps were posterior interosseous artery perforator (3.7 ± 0.5 mm) and superficial circumflex iliac perforator (5.4 ± 0.8 mm). The thickest flaps were deep inferior epigastric perforator (11.1 ± 3.9 mm) and anterolateral thigh (9.0 ± 1.5 mm). The shortest pedicles were in posterior interosseous artery perforator (3.3 ± 0.3 cm) and superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps (5.2 ± 0.8 cm). The longest pedicles were in deep inferior epigastric perforator (11.7 ± 1.4 cm), thoracodorsal artery perforator (9.3 ± 1.4 cm), and anterolateral thigh flaps (9.2 ± 0.8 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Free perforator flaps are reliable in lower extremity reconstruction. The authors believe their algorithm for flap selection helps to optimize form and function, decrease operative time, and minimize donor-site morbidity and secondary procedures. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Direction of Flap Rotation in Propeller Flaps: Does It Really Matter?

BACKGROUND: This article investigates the effect of 180° rotating propeller flaps and evaluates whether each flap has a "preferable" rotating direction. METHODS: Part 1 evaluates the flap pedicle velocity and flow volume in neutral, 180°counterclockwise, and clockwise rotated position for 29 consecutive flaps. The data (velocity and volume) were divided into three groups: neutral, high value, and low value group then evaluated. Part 2 compares the outcome from the prospective study where a preferable rotation with high value was selected against 29 patients from 2012 to 2016 who had the same operation without selecting a preferable rotation direction. RESULTS: In part 1, the three groups (neutral, high value, and low value groups) showed mean velocity of 28.06 ± 7.94, 31.92 ± 10.22, 24.41 ± 8.12 cm/s, respectively, and mean volume of 6.11 ± 4.95, 6.83 ± 6.69, 4.62 ± 3.55 mL/min, respectively. The mean velocity and volume of the perforator in the high value group were significantly higher than that in the low value group (p = 0.0001). In part 2, although no statistical significance in the outcome was observed, there were two cases of total, two cases of partial flap loss, and three cases of wound dehiscence in the patients where preferable rotations was not selected compared with only two wound dehiscence for flaps with preferable rotation. CONCLUSION: The velocity and flow of the flap are significantly different based on the rotation direction of the flap. Using the preferred rotation direction with statistically higher value of velocity and flow may increase the overall outcome of the propeller flap, especially where larger flaps are used.

Safety, efficacy, and onset of a novel botulinum toxin type A (Nabota) for the treatment of glabellar frown lines: a single-arm, prospective, phase 4 clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Safety, efficacy, and time to onset of effect of botulinum toxin type A is of importance to persons who seek improvement in glabellar frown lines, but this has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, efficacy, and onset of action of a newly developed botulinum toxin type A (Nabota) for the treatment of glabellar frown lines. METHODS: This was a single-arm, open-label, and phase 4 clinical study. Forty-two subjects with glabellar lines were treated with five times of intramuscular injection of 0.1 mL (4 U/0.1 mL) for a total of 20 U of Nabota. Efficacy and safety were assessed at 2, 3, 4, 5, and 14 days. Efficacy was assessed by the investigator and it was defined as a 1-point change on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: Improvement in glabellar frown lines at maximum frown was observed in 85.4% of subjects 2 days after administration. Improvement in glabellar lines at rest was observed in 51.2% of subjects 2 days after administration, and the proportion of subjects showing improvement increased with time. No severe adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION: Onset of action was observed in the majority of subjects by 2 days after administration of Nabota. In addition, Nabota was found to be safe and effective for the treatment of glabellar frown lines.

Supermicrosurgery: Principles and applications.

Supermicrosurgery is defined as microsurgery in less than 0.8 mm vessels. It is an evolved form of microsurgery but with the same principle: (1) enhanced working environment including microscopes and finer instruments; (2) detailed preoperative evaluation and planning; (3) supermicrosurgical technique; and (4) postoperative care. Supermicrosurgery now provides reconstructive solutions to address lymphedema, distal finger amputations, allows minimal invasive reconstruction using a perforator to perforator approach, and will eventually allow targeted customized reconstruction.

The Use of Locally Applied Vibration to Minimize Pain during Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy in Living Liver-Donor Scar Management.

BACKGROUND: Fractional CO2 laser is an effective treatment for scars, but most patients complain about sharp burning pain, even after the application of lidocaine ointment. This study analyzed the impact of a vibrating device to nonpharmacologically reduce the acute pain of laser treatment, in accordance with the gate control theory of pain management. METHODS: This is a prospective study performed from May 2013 through March 2014. Fifty-three patients (mean age, 26.7 years; range, 16-44 years) who had donated livers for liver transplantation were treated with a fractional CO2 laser (10,600 nm; model eCO2, Lutronic Corp) for their abdomen scars. Laser treatment was applied 4 months after surgery. A commercially available, locally applied vibrating device (model UM-30M, Unix Electronics Co. Ltd.) was used, in an on-and-off pattern, together with the CO2 laser. A visual analogue scale (VAS; 0, no pain; 10, most severe pain) of pain sensation was assessed and statistically analyzed using a paired t-test. RESULTS: The average VAS score for pain with the vibrating device was 4.60 and the average VAS score without the vibrating device was 6.11. The average difference between scores was 1.51 (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A locally applied vibrating device was demonstrated to be effective in reducing pain when treating with a fractional CO2 laser. Vibration treatment could be helpful when treating scars with fractional CO2 laser in pain-sensitive patients, particularly children.