Management of Liposarcoma With Posterior Intercostal Artery Propeller Flap Reconstruction: A Case Report.

This case shows the administration of a 57-year-old male with liposarcoma within the right flank region. Surgical treatment of the case included wide local excision (WLE), taken after reconstruction utilizing a posterior intercostal artery propeller flap. Postoperative care included regular checking for signs of repeat. Comparison with similar cases highlights the changeability in clinical introduction and surgical approaches for liposarcomas. This case emphasizes the significance of convenient diagnosis, fastidious surgical procedures, and successful reconstruction in overseeing liposarcomas. This case report points to highlights the clinical administration, surgical intercession, and postoperative care included in treating a giant liposarcoma and compares this case with similar instances to emphasize the challenges and procedures in treating liposarcomas.

Spontaneous hemothorax and implication of diagnostic evaluation: A case report.

The most critical intervention for large hemothorax is draining the blood out of the pleural cavity by placing a thoracostomy tube but it can be disastrous if done without due consideration. We report a rare case of spontaneous hemothorax due to posterior intercostal artery aneurysm and implication of diagnostic evaluation on its management.

Massive hemorrhage from the posterior intercostal artery following lower partial sternotomy.

BACKGROUND: Median sternotomy remains the most common approach in cardiovascular surgery. Recently, minimally invasive procedures, such as minimally invasive cardiac surgery, robot surgery, and catheter therapy have been developed in cardiovascular surgery. However, all these surgeries cannot be performed by minimally invasive approaches. Several complications associated with median sternotomy have been reported, although post-sternotomy hemorrhage from the posterior intercostal artery is extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of posterior intercostal artery bleeding following lower partial sternotomy. A 79-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement using lower partial median inverted L-shaped sternotomy that cut into the right second intercostal space. A postoperative chest radiograph indicated a hematoma in the right upper chest wall and pleural effusion. Hence, we inserted a drainage tube immediately. Approximately 2 hours after the surgery, his blood pressure gradually decreased. Blood drainage was observed from the tube, and the amount of blood drainage was not large. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a huge hematoma and hemorrhage from the fourth right posterior intercostal artery. Immediately, we performed emergency surgery. The lower partial sternotomy was repeated. We detected the origin of the bleeding that was identified in the right fourth posterior intercostal artery, and the bleeding was stopped. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the possibility of intraoperative bleeding from the intercostal artery, even in the absence of clearly rib fracture. In our case, we did not identify the cause of bleeding, although we suggest the inhomogeneous stress on the posterior ribs upon attaching the sternal retractor for lower partial sternotomy may have affected the posterior intercostal artery.

Identification and quantitative analysis of branching networks of the posterior intercostal arteries.

Morphological and anatomical characteristics of the posterior intercostal arteries have revived interest in their branching networks. Collateral supply between intercostal spaces is extensive due to anastomoses, although the data about the quantitative description of the branching networks in the existing literature are rather limited. The presence of collateral network between branches of the posterior intercostal arteries has been studied on forty-three Thiel-embalmed human cadavers. A network-based approach has been used to quantify the measured vascular branching patterns. Connections between branches of the same or adjacent posterior intercostal artery were identified. The non-anastomosing branches coursing in the intercostal spaces were also observed and their abundance was higher in comparison to anastomosing vessels. A quantitative analysis of collateral branching networks has revealed the highest density of vessels located close to the costal angle and most of the anastomosing branches were found between the fourth and tenth intercostal space. Anastomoses within the same posterior intercostal artery were more frequent in higher intercostal spaces, whereas in the lower intercostal spaces more connections were established between neighboring intercostal arteries. Our results indicate that due to abundant collateral contribution the possibility to cause an ischemic injury is rather low unless there is considerable damage to the blood supply of the trunk or surgical complication leading to ischemia or necrosis. Analyzing the proper course of collateral contributions of the posterior intercostal arteries may support further directions regarding the safest place for percutaneous transthoracic interventions, thoracocentesis, and lung biopsy.

Posterior intercostal artery perforator flap for posterior trunk reconstruction: Perforator mapping with high-resolution ultrasound and clinical application.

BACKGROUND: Pedicled perforator flaps have progressively been used for reconstructive purposes of the anterior trunk. However, reports regarding perforator flaps for local reconstruction of the posterior trunk are sparse. The aim of this study was to investigate the vascular basis of perforator flaps based on the posterior intercostal arteries and to highlight the clinical versatility of these flaps for local posterior trunk reconstruction. METHODS: The posterior intercostal artery perforators (PICAP) between the 4th and 12th intercostal space were investigated using high resolution ultrasound in ten healthy volunteers. The location, diameter, suprafascial length and course of the individual perforators was measured. PICAP flaps were used in a series of ten cases for defect reconstruction of the posterior trunk to demonstrate their clinical versatility. RESULTS: A total number of 100 perforators was investigated. The mean diameter was 0,7 ±â€¯0,24 mm with an average length until arborisation of 0,8 ±â€¯0,8 cm. Perforators were located at 2,4 ±â€¯1,8 cm from the midline on average. Only 16% of all measured perforators were identified as major perforators (diameter ≥ 1 mm). In ten patients (mean age at surgery 61,7 years, f:m = 3:7) a PICAP flap was used for defect reconstruction at the back with a mean follow-up of 2,9 years. Flap dimensions ranged from 7 × 3 to 16 × 7 cm. In three cases, a complication was observed (one seroma, one hematoma, one marginal tip necrosis). CONCLUSION: In the present study, a reliable vascular basis of the posterior intercostal artery perforator flap could be demonstrated. Clinically these flaps replace "like with like" and may be transposed in a propeller - or V to Y - fashion. The donor site can be closed primarily in most cases, thus resulting in a favorable donor side morbidity.

Inadvertent posterior intercostal artery puncture and haemorrhage after ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block: a case report.

BACKGROUND: This report describes one case of paravertebral haemorrhage after ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) that may have been attributed to the inadvertent puncture of the posterior intercostal artery (PIA). This complication has never been reported in ultrasound-guided TPVB. Strategies to prevent this potentially serious complication are discussed. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old male underwent a video-assisted upper lobectomy. TPVB was performed under the guidance of ultrasound using the out-of-plane parasagittal approach. The transducer was placed 2.5 cm lateral to the midline area in a sagittal orientation. A needle was inserted at the lateral side of the transducer and advanced toward the T4 paravertebral space. During the final attempt, the needle tip was visualised in the middle area of the paravertebral space. Anterior displacement of the pleura was visualised upon injection of the saline. Aspiration of red blood was unfortunately identified. The block in this T4 level was discontinued. The patient was haemodynamically stable. When the chest cavity was entered, a bulging column-shaped haematoma was noted in the left paravertebral space extending from T1 to T12 with concomitant spread into the left T4-5 intercostal space. A postoperative neurological examination revealed intact sensory function in the T4 dermatome bilaterally. The patient fully recovered with no neurological sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided TPVB still bears the potential risk of inadvertent PIA injury. We recommend colour Doppler imaging to identify PIA prior to the TPVB.

[Effectiveness of posterior intercostal artery perforator flap in repair of donor defect after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer].

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.

Successful treatment of massive hemothorax with class IV shock using aortography with transcatheter embolization of actively bleeding posterior left intercostal arteries after penetrating left chest trauma: A case for the hybrid OR.

Hemothorax is a common occurrence after blunt or penetrating injury to the chest. Posterior intercostal vessel hemorrhage as a cause of major intrathoracic bleeding is an infrequent source of massive bleeding. Selective angiography with trans-catheter embolization may provide a minimally invasive and efficient method of controlling bleeding refractory to surgical treatment. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 19 year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to his left chest with massive hemothorax and refractory hemorrhage. He was emergently taken to the operating room for thoracotomy and was found to have uncontrollable bleeding from the chest due to left posterior intercostal artery transection. The bleeding persisted despite multiple attempts with sutures, clips and various hemostatic agents. Thoracic aortography was undertaken and revealed active bleeding from the left 7th posterior intercostal artery, which was coil-embolized. The patient's hemodynamic status significantly improved and he was transferred to the intensive care unit. DISCUSSION: Posterior intercostal bleeding is a rare cause of massive hemothorax. Bleeding from these arteries may be difficult to control due to limited exposure in that area. Transcatheter-based arterial embolization is a reliable and feasible option for arresting hemorrhage following failed attempts at hemorrhage control from thoracotomy. CONCLUSION: Massive hemothorax from intercostal arterial bleeding is a rare complication after penetrating chest injury (Aoki et al., 2003). Selective, catheter-based embolization is a useful therapeutic option for hemorrhage control and can be expeditiously employed if a hybrid operating room is available.

Repair of large area skin defect of forearm with overlength thoracic umbilical conjoined perforator flap with double blood supply / 中华显微外科杂志

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.

Effectiveness of posterior intercostal artery perforator flap in repair of donor defect after latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap transfer / 中国修复重建外科杂志

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.

Ilioinguinal conjoined perforator flap transplantation for repairing large skin defects of the upper extremity / 中华显微外科杂志

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.

Anomalous Posterior Intercostal Arterial Trunk Arising From the Abdominal Aorta.

A common trunk of the ipsilateral posterior intercostal artery (PIA) arising from the thoracic aorta is usually an anatomical variation. However, a common trunk of bilateral posterior intercostal arterial trunk (PIAT) arising from the abdominal aorta is rare. It is important to recognize this anatomical variation of PIA when performing interventional radiological procedures. We present a rare case of an anomalous PIAT that originated from the abdominal aorta in a patient with hemoptysis caused by tuberculosis sequelae. Bilateral 4th to 11th PIAs arose from a common trunk and the trunk arising from the posterior aspect of the abdominal aorta at the level of T12/L1 intervertebral space. The pathological right 4th and 5th PIAs and bronchial arteries were embolized. Hemoptysis has been controlled for 3 months.

Examination of the recommended safe and unsafe zone for placement of surgical instruments in thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracentesis and video-assisted thoracic surgery procedures can result in haemorrhage as a consequence of severing the collateral branches of the posterior intercostal artery. These branches have been shown to be most common in the 5th intercostal space (ICS). Tortuosity has been shown to be especially prevalent nearer to midline. A group of investigators have recommended the 4th and 7th ICS, 120 mm lateral to midline as a safe zone, least likely to hit branches when cutting into the ICS. The present study aimed to investigate that safe zone as a better entry points for procedures. In addition, investigation of the least safe 5th ICS was also performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 embalmed human cadavers were selected for the study. With the cadavers laid prone, 2 cm incisions were made at the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS, 120 mm lateral to midline bilaterally. The cadavers were then placed supine and the incisions were dissected. Careful attention was paid to identify if any collateral branches were cut. RESULTS: After thorough dissection of the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS incision sites, it was shown that damage to the 5th intercostal was seen most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this cadaveric study, a 2 cm incision at the 4th, 5th and 7th ICS 120 mm lateral from midline resulted in the most damage at the level of the 5th ICS. The 4th ICS had the least damage seen. Therefore, it is recommended that insertion should be placed at the level of the 4th ICS bilaterally.

Anatomy of the lateral perforator flap supplied by posterior intercostal artery and its clinical application / 中华显微外科杂志

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.