Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
[Combined split ALT/TFL flap for soft tissue coverage in large thoracical defects]
Background:
Large, ulcerating tumors of the chestwall require soft tissue coverage after resection. Depending on size and location usually a latissimus dorsi flap, VRAM or TRAM flap is performed. In very large defects a combined split ALT/TFL flap is a new technique for coverage.
Patient And Methods:
In 4 patients (3 female, 1 male) a soft tissue reconstruction after tumor resection was necessary. The mean age was 54 years. The mean size of the defect was 656 cm(2).
Results:
In 3 cases the coverage was achieved by a unilateral, and in 1 case a bilateral combined split ALT/TFL flap. All flaps healed without flap loss. The donor site closure was achieved primarily in 2 cases. In 3 cases a small split skin graft was needed.
Conclusion:
The indications for combined split ALT/TFL flaps are large defects which cannot be covered by one single flap. The combination of these two long-known flaps on one pedicle is a new development.
