Septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap in breast reconstruction: An insight into the related anatomy and preoperative imaging.

BACKGROUND: Although without a widespread popularity, the septocutaneous gluteal artery perforator flap (sc-GAP) can be an excellent choice in breast reconstruction. The purpose of the article is to further study the preoperative imaging anatomy and surgical technique for a safe operation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical experience in four unilateral breast reconstructions is reported, and an analysis is made of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) variables (36 studies/72 sides) that might define the microsurgical consistency and reliability of the technique. RESULTS: After a careful preoperative imaging evaluation, the surgical operation confirmed a predictable, although not straightforward, anatomy. All the flaps were raised in the supine position. With a remarkably quick postoperative recovery, the resulting scar was well hidden and did not significantly distort the gluteal aesthetics although contralateral contouring liposuction might be desirable in unilateral cases. Good aesthetic results were obtained in all the patients. In the evaluation of the CTA studies, a right/left septocutaneous perforator arising from the superficial branch of the superior gluteal artery could be found in 80.6% of the patients, with a few patients having 2-3 perforators on one side. Although with an overall suitable pedicle length (mean 7.4 cm), the arterial diameter at the suture site was found to be small (mean 1.6 mm). CONCLUSION: Given the adequate body habitus and reconstructive requirements, the sc-GAP can be a good choice even in large breasts. However, the technique requires the appropriate surgical expertise and mandates a thorough preoperative imaging evaluation that defines whether the technique should be done in a particular patient.

Individualized design of double skin paddle anterolateral thigh perforator flaps to repair complex soft tissue defects of the extremities: An anatomical study and retrospective cohort study.

This study describes our experience using individually designed double skin paddle anterolateral thigh perforator (ALTP) flaps to reconstruct complex soft tissue defects. An anatomical study of double skin paddle ALTP flaps was conducted in six fresh cadavers (12 thighs). We also performed a retrospective cohort study of 36 patients who underwent reconstruction using double skin paddle ALTP flaps from January 2009 to June 2019. The soft tissue defects were large or non-adjacent defects that could not be repaired by a single flap. Three types of double skin paddle ALTP flaps were designed. In type I, separate perforators supplied each flap: one perforator from the transverse branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) and one from the descending branch of the LCFA (d-LCFA). In type II, both perforators were from the d-LCFA. In type III, a single perforator from the d-LCFA had two branches that each supplied one flap. In the cadaver study, type I was observed in 11 thighs, type II in 10, and type III in six. All patients were successfully treated using double skin paddle ALTP flaps. Four patients received type I flaps, 23 received type II, and nine received type III. Vascular compromise occurred in one patient, and the flap was saved by emergency revascularization. Most patients had satisfactory contours and functional recovery during follow-up. Individually designed double skin paddle ALTP flaps is a reliable option for reconstructing complex soft tissue defects. Moreover, we created an algorithm for microvascular reconstruction of complex soft tissue defects.

Posterior Vaginal Compartment Anatomy: Implications for Surgical Repair.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the gross and histologic anatomy of the proximal, mid, and distal posterior vaginal compartment and discuss implications for surgical repair. STUDY DESIGN: In this cadaver study, pelvic organs were resected en bloc, immersed in formalin solution, and transected in the mid sagittal plane. Measured distances included: posterior vaginal wall length, cervicovaginal junction or vaginal cuff to posterior peritoneal reflection, peritoneal reflection to proximal edge (apex) of perineal body, and perineal body apex to hymenal remnant (height). The posterior vaginal wall was divided into 3 segments along the midsagittal plane and submitted in whole tissue blocks for staining. Histologic analysis included that of 2 young nulliparous women whose tissue was harvested within 12 hours of death. RESULTS: Eleven cadavers were examined. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) posterior vaginal length was 7.6 (2.2) cm. The peritoneum attached to the posterior vaginal wall a median (IQR) of 1.3 cm (0.5 cm) distal to the cervicovaginal junction (n = 8). The rectovaginal space, spanning from the peritoneal reflection to perineal body apex, had a median (IQR) length of 4.7 cm (2.1 cm). Microscopic examination of the mid segment revealed a layer of loose fibroadipose tissue between the vaginal/rectal walls, with no distinct dense fibroconnective tissue layer. The median (IQR) perineal body height was 2.3 cm (1.2 cm). No discrete fibrous capsule was seen surrounding the external anal sphincter muscle. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support evidence showing absence of a rectovaginal fascia. The anal sphincter lacks a fibrous capsule, which is important during closure of third-/fourth-degree obstetric lacerations.

Regional variation of human pancreatic islets dimension and its impact on beta cells in Indian population.

Background & objectives: Islet of Langerhans, the endocrine pancreas plays a significant role in glucose metabolism. Obesity and insulin resistance are the major factors responsible for beta cell dysfunction. Asian Indian population has increased susceptibility to diabetes in spite of having lower BMI. The morphology of islets plays a significant role in beta cell function. The present study was designed for better understanding the morphology, composition and distribution of islets in different parts of the pancreas and its impact on beta cell proportion. Methods: We observed islet morphology and beta cell area proportion by Large-scale computer-assisted analysis in 20 adult human pancreases in non-diabetic Indian population. Immunohistochemical staining with anti-synaptophysin and anti-insulin antibody was used to detect islet and beta cells respectively. Whole slide images were analyzed using ImageJ software. Results: Endocrine proportion were heterogeneously increasing from head to tail with maximum islet and beta cell distribution in the tail region. Larger islets were predominately confined to the tail region. The islets in Indian population were relatively smaller in size, but they have more beta cells (20%) when compared to American population. Interpretation & conclusions: The beta cells of larger islets are functionally more active than the smaller islets via paracrine effect. Thus, reduction in the number of larger islets may be one of the probable reasons for increased susceptibility of Indians to diabetes even at lower BMI. Knowledge about the regional distribution of islets will help the surgeons to preserve the islet rich regions during surgery.

Incidence of anatomical variations according to the International Frontal Sinus Anatomy Classification (IFAC) and their coincidence with radiological sings of opacification.

BACKGROUND: The endonasal access to the frontal recess and sinus may be complicated by a variety of anatomical variations. Previous classifications of these variants were characterized by proper names or position information without anatomical reference. The IFAC is intended to simplify the classification of anatomical variations of the frontoethmoidal complex. The aim of this study was to analyse a representative number of sinus CT scans to assess the incidence of anatomical variations according to the IFAC and to compare the results with previous classifications. In addition, the coincidence of complex anatomical variations and radiological sings of opacification was investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: Two hundred and forty-nine sinus CT scans were analysed in multiplanar reconstructions. Exclusion criteria were previous operations on the paranasal sinuses, malignant diseases, and an insufficient image quality. All anatomical variants were analysed according to the IFAC criteria. In addition, the coincidence of radiological sings of opacification and the presence of anatomical variations of the frontal recess and sinus were investigated. RESULTS: The analysis revealed Agger nasi cells in 95% of the CT scans. Supra agger cells (SACs) were detected in 49% and Supra agger frontal cells (SAFCs) in 25% of the data sets. Suprabulla cells (SBCs) were detected in 89% and Supra bulla frontal cells (SBFCs) in 27% of the scans. Supraorbital ethmoid cells (SECs) were detectable in 9% and interfrontal septal cells in 28% of the scans. Despite a partially strong narrowing of the frontal recess, no increased occurrence of radiological sings of opacification could be detected (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical variations in the frontoethmoidal area are very common. According to the IFAC criteria, in 43% of the patients, cells could be detected with pneumatization to or into the frontal sinus. The IFAC is structured more clearly compared to previous classifications due to the anatomical aspect. It represents the most consistent classification regarding surgical planning. Further studies will demonstrate the scientific and clinical value of this classification.

Revisiting the infracardiac bursa using multimodal methods: topographic anatomy for surgery of the esophagogastric junction.

In embryology, the infracardiac bursa (ICB) is a well-known derivative separated from the omental bursa. During surgeries around the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), surgeons often encounter a closed space considered to be equivalent to the ICB, but the macroscopic anatomy in adults is hardly known. This study aimed to revisit the ICB using multimodal methods to show its development from the embryonic to adult stage and clarify its persistence and topographic anatomy. Histological sections of 79 embryos from Carnegie stage (CS) 16 to 23 and magnetic resonance (MR) images of 39 fetuses were examined to study the embryological development of the ICB. Horizontal sections around the EGJ obtained from three adult cadavers were examined to determine the topographic anatomy and histology of the ICB. Further, 32 laparoscopic surgical videos before (n = 16) and after (n = 16) the start of this study were reviewed to confirm its remaining rate and topographic anatomy in surgery. The ICB was formed in 1 out of 10 CS17 samples, and in 8 out of 10 CS18 samples. Further, it was observed in all CS19-23 except one CS23 sample and in 25 (64%) out of 39 fetus samples. Three-dimensional reconstructed MR images of fetuses revealed that the ICB was located at the right alongside the esophagus and the cranial side of the diaphragmatic crus. In one adult cadaver, the caudal end of the ICB arose from the level of the esophageal hiatus and the cranial end reached up to the level of the pericardium. The inner surface cells of the space consisted of the mesothelium. In laparoscopic surgery, the ICB was identified in only 11 (69%) out of 16 surgeries before. However, subsequently we were able to identify the ICB reproducibly in 15 (94%) out of 16 surgeries. Thus, the ICB is the structure commonly remaining in almost all adults as a closed space located at the right alongside the esophagus and the cranial side of the diaphragmatic crus. It may be available as a useful landmark in surgery of the EGJ.

Pars tensa and tympanicomalleal joint: proposal for a new anatomic classification.

PURPOSE: The tympanic membrane (TM) belongs to the ear. Despite its place in the ear anatomy, can we give it also a different anatomic classification? The main objective is to clarify the nature of TM, tympanic bone and malleus to propose a new anatomic classification. METHODS: This cadaveric study was performed in two human heads and six fresh temporal bones. A study of the temporomandibular joint, external acoustic meatus (EAM), TM and middle ear structures was conducted. A medical literature review englobing anatomy, embryology, histology and phylogeny of the ear was performed and the results were compared with the results of the dissection. RESULTS: The external ear is constituted by the auricle and the EAM. This last segment is made by a cartilaginous and an osseous portion. The osseous portion of the EAM is constituted mainly by tympanic bone. The external ear is separated from the middle ear by the TM. Inside the middle ear, there are three ossicles: malleus, incus and stapes, which allow the conduction of sound to the cochlea. Based on the anatomic dissection and medical literature review of the tympanic bone, malleus and TM, we propose that these structures are interconnected like a joint, and named it "Tympanicomalleal joint". CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the TM can be part of a joint that evolved to improve sound transmission and middle ear protection. Thinking TM has part of a joint may help in the development of more efficient reconstructive surgical techniques.

Distribution of the maxillary artery in the deep regions of the face and the maxilla: Clinical applications.

Composite tissue allotransplantation of the face has led to renewed interest in the vascularization of the maxilla. The maxillary artery, which is deep within the tissue and difficult to access, is considered the main artery of the maxilla. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of the maxillary artery in the deep regions of the face and maxilla. Twenty-four maxillae were studied, of which 20 were injected with latex and four with India ink. The maxillary artery in the pterygopalatine fossa gave rise to the sphenopalatine artery, infraorbital artery, descending palatine artery, and posterior superior alveolar artery in all 24 cases. The posterior superior alveolar artery gave rise to a periosteal branch and an intraosseous branch (in the wall of the maxillary sinus) in 18 cases. The branch passed through part of the wall and the entire wall in eight and ten cases, respectively, and anastomosed at the anterior nasal spine and the infraorbital foramen. The descending palatine artery presented as a single trunk in four cases, a greater palatine artery and a lower palatine artery in 18 cases, and four branches in two cases. Intraosseous and periosteal anastomoses were found along with anastomosis through the incisive foramen, which were obstructed in three cases. The vascular territories were studied. The maxillary artery created an intraosseous and periosteal anastomotic network, explaining the supply pathways during different surgical procedures, risk of hemorrhage with orthognathic surgery (Le Fort type I) in a sinus lift for preimplant surgery, and the vascular territories.

Peroneal nerve location at the fibular head: an anatomic study using 3D imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries to the peroneal nerve are a common complication in operative treatment of proximal tibial or fibular fractures. To minimize the risk of iatrogenic injury to the nerve, detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the peroneal nerve is essential. Aim of this study was to present a detailed description of the position and branching of the peroneal nerve based on 3D-images to assist preparation for surgical approaches to the fibular head and the tibial plateau. METHODS: The common peroneal nerve, the deep and the superficial peroneal nerve were marked with a radiopaque thread in 18 formalin-embalmed specimens. Three-dimensional X-ray scans were then acquired from the knee and the proximal lower leg in full extension of the knee. In 3D-reconstructions of these scans, distances of the common peroneal nerve and its branches to clearly defined osseous landmarks were measured digitally. Furthermore, the height of the branching of the common peroneal nerve was measured in relation to the landmarks. RESULTS: The mean distance of the common peroneal nerve at the level of the tibial plateau to its posterior osseous limitation was 7.92 ± 2.42 mm, and 1.31 ± 2.63 mm to the lateral osseous limitation of the tibia. In a transversal plane, distance of the common peroneal nerve branching was 27.56 ± 3.98 mm relative to the level of the most proximal osseous extension of fibula and 11.77 ± 6.1 mm relative to the proximal extension of the tibial tuberosity. The deep peroneal nerve crossed the midline of the fibular shaft at a distance of 22.14 mm ± 4.35 distally to the most proximal extension of the fibula, the superficial peroneal nerve at a distance of 33.56 mm ± 6.68. CONCLUSION: As the course of the peroneal nerve is highly variable in between individuals, surgical dissection for operative treatment of proximal posterolateral tibial or fibular fractures has to be done carefully. We defined an area were the peroneal nerve and its branches are unlikely to be found. However, specific safe zones should not be utilized due to the individual anatomic variation.

Impact of fetal brain ultrasound tutor smartphone application on normal anatomy learning.

OBJECTIVE: The "Fetal Brain Tutor 4us" (FBTApp) is a recently developed application for interactive multiplanar navigation through the normal fetal brain. The purpose of this work was to assess its impact on normal anatomy learning. METHODS: A multiple-choice quiz (MCQ) was administered to first-year resident doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology in two separate sessions, before and 2 weeks after downloading the FBTApp. For each MCQ, the junior trainee was asked to use one out of five items to label a specific cerebral structure on an ultrasound image of a normal midtrimester fetal brain. Six sonographic images of the fetal brain on each of the three scanning planes (axial, sagittal, and coronal) were shown to the participants at either session. The results of the two sessions were analysed and compared. RESULTS: Overall, 216 questions were administered to the trainees in the 2-week study, 108 before and 108 after the use of the FBTApp. From the first to the second sessions, a significant increase of correct answers was noted (from 47/108 or 43% to 77/108 or 71%, P < 0.01). Particularly, a better improvement was obtained in the correct labelling of cerebral structures on the nonaxial (from 32% to 67%, +35%) vs axial (from 67% to 81%, +14%) view planes of the brain (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The use of FBTApp seems capable to improve the knowledge of the normal fetal brain anatomy in subjects naive to dedicated prenatal ultrasound. This improvement seems greater on nonaxial planes.

Posterior tibial perforators relationship with superficial nerves and veins: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Most authors have evaluated the location of lower leg arterial perforators, but little is still known about the relationship between the arterial network and great saphenous vein (GSV) and saphenous nerve (SN). The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the arterial network of the posterior tibial artery perforators, the cutaneous nerves, and the superficial venous system in the lower one third of the leg. METHODS: Eighteen lower limbs from cadavers were used for this study. The arterial and venous compartment were selectively injected with a mixture of barium sulfate and epoxy. The specimen were CT scanned and the superficial veins, nerves, and the arterial perforators were dissected. RESULTS: A large perforator of the posterior tibial artery was found at a mean distance of 6.23 cm ± 0.88, with a 95% CI: 5.79-6.67, from the medial malleolus. The average diameter was 0.9 mm ± 0.17, with a 95% CI: 0.81-0.99. In 67% the connection of the venae comitantes to the superficial venous system was established with the GSV, in the other cases, with Leonardo's vein. Both dissection and imaging studies showed perineural interperforator connections along the branches of SN in all the specimens examined. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution pattern of posterior tibial artery perforators followed the superficial nerves in this region. There is an interperforator anastomotic network along the SN. The various patterns of the venous drainage system, in relationship to the distribution of the branches of posterior tibial artery perforators, have been clarified.

[Geometric and morphological features of the aortic root in norm and aortic regurgitation]. / Geometricheskie i morfologicheskie kharakteristiki kornia aorty v norme i pri nedostatochnosti aortal'nogo klapana.

AIM: To assess linear and geometric parameters of the aortic valve and to determine the changes which are associated with impaired leaflets coaptation and aortic root enlargement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Surgical anatomy of the aortic root and its spatial relationships with surrounding heart structures were studied with plastination by using of combined silicon technologies. 123 specimens of the aortic root with preserved original geometry were created with silicone plastination technique and perfusion embalming. Analysis included 15 heart specimens with the signs of aortic root dilatation and 108 specimens without evidence of dilatation. Multiple logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Anatomical and clinical analysis showed that deviation angle of the intercusp triangle is the factor contributing impaired aortic root geometry and aortic regurgitation (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.114-1.350, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: 1) Increased deviation angle of intercusp triangles is associated with impaired coaptation of aortic valve leaflets. 2) Restoration of intercusp triangle deviation angle within 1.7±1.2° degrees is geometrically necessary to achieve normal function of the aortic valve.

Bichectomia: sistematização técnica aplicada a 27 casos consecutivos / Bichectomy: technical systematization applied in 27 consecutive cases

Introdução: Embora realizada há muito tempo, a remoção da bola de Bichat ganhou notoriedade nos últimos anos devido a sua grande procura nos consultórios do cirurgião plástico. Mesmo quando adequadamente indicada, ainda é considerada um procedimento controverso, uma vez que ainda não existe uma técnica cirúrgica sistematizada na literatura atual, visando torná-la segura e reprodutível. Métodos: A técnica da bichectomia intraoral descrita no trabalho foi aplicada de maneira sistemática em uma série de 27 pacientes consecutivos, no período de 5 de janeiro de 2016 a 15 de dezembro de 2016. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 32 anos, sendo 15% do sexo masculino e 85% do sexo feminino. A bichectomia foi realizada isoladamente em 6 pacientes (22%) e em conjunto com outros procedimentos em 21 pacientes (78%). O procedimento mais comumente associado foi a lipoaspiração cervical, realizada em 55% dos pacientes. A imensa maioria dos casos foram operados com anestesia geral (93%). Nenhuma complicação permanente e importante foi verificada no pósoperatório, apenas um caso de neuropatia transitória do ramo bucal e um caso de edema mais pronunciado, que prontamente se resolveram nas semanas seguintes. Conclusão: A remoção de gordura bucal pode ser realizada de forma previsível, rápida e segura, proporcionando diminuição volumétrica do terço inferior facial, com maior realce dos contornos faciais. Quando aplicada em um ambiente cirúrgico seguro, seguindo todos os padrões de segurança da cirurgia e respeitando os complexos limites anatômicos da região, nossa técnica levará os cirurgiões e pacientes a um resultado seguro e satisfatório.

Introduction: Despite buccal fat removal having been performed for a long time, its popularity has increased only in recent years, leading to a rise in the demand for bichectomy in plastic surgery clinics. Buccal fat pad removal is still considered controversial, even when properly indicated, especially with the lack of a systematized surgical technique to make it safe and reproducible. Methods: The intraoral bichectomy described herein was systematically applied in 27 consecutive patients from January 5, 2016 to December 15, 2016. Results: The mean patient age was 32 years; 15% were men, and 85% were women. Isolated buccal fat pad removal was performed in six patients (22%) and in combination with other procedures in 21 patients (78%). The main procedure combined was neck liposuction (55%), and most patients were operated under general anesthesia (93%). No permanent or significant complications occurred, and there were only two minor complications, i.e., inferior mandibular neuropathy and significant swelling, which improved without treatment during the following weeks. Conclusions: Buccal fat removal can be performed in a predictable, fast, and safe manner, leading to volumetric reduction of the lower third of the face, enhancing facial shape. When applied in a safe surgical environment, following all surgical security standards and considering the complex anatomical boundaries of the cheek, our technique can yield secure and satisfactory outcomes both for surgeons and patients.

Topographic anatomy of mandibular foramen in different age groups using panoramic radiographs

The purpose of this investigation was to document the most common position of the mandibular foramen and to compare its position in three different age groups, gender and sides on panoramic radiographs. The knowledge regarding the location of mandibular foramen is essential for administering the inferior alveolar nerve block, peripheral neurectomy and for performing osteotomy cuts with low inferior alveolar nerve morbidity. Two hundred mandibular foramina were studied on panoramic radiographs of one hundred patients (51 female and 49 male) with a mean age of 20.15±10.7 years. The patients were grouped into three age groups (≤13, 14-25, >25 years). Various measurements for the position of mandibular foramen were performed in horizontal and vertical dimensions using different landmarks and reference points. The ratios of horizontal and vertical dimensions were compared within three different age groups, gender and side. The majority of mandibular foramina were in the ratio range of 0.31-0.40 in all the three age groups horizontally and vertically with a significant difference in patients within the age group of ≤ 13 years from the other two age groups. The study showed that the mandibular foramen was located in the middle third of the ramus and the location of the mandibular foramen maintained bilateral symmetry in all the cases. The study indicated that the location of the mandibular foramen is variable. However, the superior and posterior fifths are found to be the safer zones. So, the positional changes of mandibular foramen with age are imperative, as in children they may be occasionally found in inferior third and therefore preoperative knowledge of the exact position of the mandibular foramen may guide the surgeon to develop a safe and accurate surgical technique avoiding any violation of the neurovascular bundle

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Differences in subependymal vein anatomy may predispose preterm infants to GMH-IVH.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The anatomy of the deep venous system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of brain lesions in the preterm brain as shown by different histological studies. The aims of this study were to compare the subependymal vein anatomy of preterm neonates with germinal matrix haemorrhage-intraventricular haemorrhage (GMH-IVH), as evaluated by susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) venography, with a group of age-matched controls with normal brain MRI, and to explore the relationship between the anatomical features of subependymal veins and clinical risk factors for GMH-IVH. METHODS: SWI venographies of 48 neonates with GMH-IVH and 130 neonates with normal brain MRI were retrospectively evaluated. Subependymal vein anatomy was classified into six different patterns: type 1 represented the classic pattern and types 2-6 were considered anatomic variants. A quantitative analysis of the venous curvature index was performed. Variables were analysed by using Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests, and a multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between anatomical features, clinical factors and GMH-IVH. RESULTS: A significant difference was noticed among the six anatomical patterns according to the presence of GMH-IVH (χ2=14.242, p=0.014). Anatomic variants were observed with higher frequency in neonates with GMH-IVH than in controls (62.2% and 49.6%, respectively). Neonates with GMH-IVH presented a narrower curvature of the terminal portion of subependymal veins (p<0.05). These anatomical features were significantly associated with GMH-IVH (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Preterm neonates with GMH-IVH show higher variability of subependymal veins anatomy confirming a potential role as predisposing factor for GMH-IVH.

[The endoscopic anatomy of the middle ear (a dissection study)]. / Éndoskopicheskaia anatomiia srednego ukha (dissektsionnoe issledovanie).

The objective of the present work was to study the specific endoscopic anatomical features of the middle ear using the dissected temporal bones with the intact tympanic membrane. The 18 cm long endoscopes 4 mm in diameter with a visual angle from 0 to 45 degrees in the combination with some other microinstruments, such as ear pincers, needles, curettes, elevators, and suction tubes, were used during the examination. It was shown that endomeato-transtympanic endosopy provides a panoramic view of almost all structures of the middle ear. After the resection of the posterior bone edge of 'annulus tympanicus', the use of the 45o endoscope ensured the panoramic view not only of certain structures of the middle ear (e.g. the tympanic chord, the stapedius muscle tendon, the entire pyramidal process) but also of the structures of the retrotympanic and anterior epitympanic spaces.

[Anatomical aspects of formation of corona phlebectatica]. / Anatomicheskie aspekty formirovaniia corona phlebectatica.

The data concerning the anatomy of perforant veins of the foot can by no means be referred to as insufficiently known. At the same time, these descriptions are encountered rather rarely in the educational-and-methodical literature. To a certain degree, this may be explained by low pathogenetic significance of perforant veins of the foot; however, these data are required for the surgeon in carrying out both standard phlebectomy and sclerotherapy of subcutaneous varicose veins, especially if the zone of surgical intervention is situated immediately on the foot. Also, these data may be important for explaining clinical manifestations of chronic venous insufficiency. The present study was aimed at specifying the anatomical ground of formation of the corona phlebecatica and topography of perforant veins of the foot. The material for the study consisted of 15 lower extremities (cadaveric material) with no evidence of chronic venous diseases. The method of the study - anatomical dissection. From 4 to 6 perforant veins were found on the medial surface of the foot. They directly connected the medial marginal vein and vv. plantaris medialis. From 2 to 3 perforant veins were found on the lateral surface of the foot. They connected directly the lateral marginal vein and vv. plantaris lateralis. Topographically perforant veins pass behind the muscles of the lateral group of the foot, along the lateral intermuscular septum. Perforant veins of each group were found to have lateral affluents part of which independently drained the integumentary tissues of the lateral surfaces of the foot, and part formed anastomoses with the superficial venous plantar net. This makes it possible to characterize perforant veins not only as anastomoses connecting subcutaneous rear venous net with deep veins of the foot and with the superficial plantar net, but also as independently draining vessels. Besides, in the majority of cases, nearby a perforant vein we managed to isolate an artery and a nerve branchlet, originating from a. plantaris and n. plantaris. Hence, perforant veins of the medial and lateral surfaces of the foot constitute the anatomical ground for formation of the corona phlebectatica and are component parts of the neurovascular bundle (vein-artery-nerve).