Microsurgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Power spectral analysis of the effects of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dobutamine and dopexamine on microcirculation following free tissue transfer.
The use of pressor drugs after microsurgical free tissue transfer remains controversial because of potential vasoconstrictor effects on the free flap. Noninvasive monitoring of free flaps with laser Doppler flowmetry may provide further information regarding the local regulation of blood flow in the flap tissues during pressor infusions. This study evaluated the effects of four commonly used pressor agents. ⋯ Denervation of free flap tissue is demonstrable using spectral analysis of laser Doppler blood flow signals. With norepinephrine the control of blood flow shifts toward low frequency vasomotion where blood flow depends mostly on average blood pressure, making it potentially the most suitable agent following free tissue transfer.
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We present an anatomical and histomorphometric study of the transfer of the motor branch to the brachioradialis muscle to the anterior interosseous nerve in recent brachial plexus lesions, involving C8 and T1 roots. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anatomic constancy of the nerves involved in the transfer, feasibility, and reproducibility of the transfer. We performed a study of 14 elbows in fresh cadavers. ⋯ The mean diameter of the anterior interosseous nerve was 2.9 ± 0.5 mm and the mean diameter of the brachioradialis muscle branch was 2 ± 0.4 mm. The branch to the brachioradialis muscle contains an average of 550 ± 64 myelinated axons and the anterior interosseous nerve has an average of 2266 ± 274 myelinated axons. The anatomic study in cadavers showed that the technique is justified and anatomically reproducible.
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Review
Face transplantation surgical options and open problems in cadaveric models: a review article.
Being first conceptualized in 2005-2006, total face transplantation is now a clinical reconstructive option in the treatment of patients with acquired facial deformity. The authors propose a review on the status of total face transplantation based on their clinical experience in dealing with traditional microsurgical head and neck reconstructions and on the basis of their published pre-clinical research investigating technical aspects of the facial allotransplantation procedure in cadaveric models. The authors first discuss the harvesting options and propose two facial flaps which address different reconstructive needs. ⋯ Finally, the authors address the major technical challenges associated with transplanting the most complex osteomyocutaneous allograft. Significant improvement has been made in the field of vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation over the last 5-6 years. The results of the 13 face transplants performed worldwide are encouraging both functionally and aesthetically, when compared with traditional reconstructive procedures.
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Composite defects of bone and soft tissues represent a reconstructive challenge. Several techniques have been described in the medical literature; however, extensive composite defects should be reconstructed with microvascular free tissue transfer. The purpose of this report is to present the use of a composite latissimus dorsi and serratus anterior and rib free flap (LD-SA/rib) as an alternative procedure in patients who cannot undergo more commonly used vascularized bone-containing free flap reconstruction. ⋯ LD-SA/rib free flap should be regarded as an effective procedure for reconstruction of composite tissue defects in patients who are not candidates for more commonly used vascularized bone-containing free flaps.
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The purpose of this report of a small series was to describe the technique of total sacrectomy reconstruction using a pedicled vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (VRAM) flow-through flap anastomosed to a free fibula flap. ⋯ Total sacrectomy reconstruction using a VRAM flow-through flap anastomosed to a two-strut free fibular flap allows initial assessment of the recipient vessels during the first and ensuing operative stages, satisfies the bone and soft tissue requirements of the defect, and provides a durable, functionally optimized reconstruction.