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An Overview of Pre-expanded Perforator Flaps: Part 1, Current Concepts
Chunmei Wang1, Sifen Yang1, Jing Zhang2
1Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Dongguan Kanghua Hospital, 1000 Donguan Avenue, Dongguan, Guangdong Province 523080, P.R. China.
Clinics in Plastic Surgery
|November 30, 2016
Summary
Pre-expanded perforator flaps combine tissue expansion with perforator flaps for versatile reconstructive surgery. This review clarifies their definition and the effects of pre-expansion on blood vessel architecture.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Pre-expanded perforator flaps merge tissue expansion and perforator flap techniques.
- These flaps offer significant versatility in reconstructive procedures.
- Controversies exist regarding their precise definition and vascular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts of pre-expanded perforator flaps.
- To elucidate the mechanism of tissue expansion in this context.
- To analyze the impact of pre-expansion on superficial angio-architecture.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on pre-expanded perforator flaps.
- Analysis of the biological mechanisms underlying tissue expansion.
- Examination of changes in superficial vascular patterns post-expansion.
Main Results:
- Pre-expansion involves controlled tissue stretching, influencing vascularity.
- Angio-architecture modifications are a key consideration.
- Existing classifications and definitions are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Pre-expanded perforator flaps represent an advancement in plastic surgery.
- Understanding vascular changes is crucial for optimal application.
- Further research may refine definitions and classifications.
