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An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Pre-expanded Brachial Artery Perforator Flap
Yuanbo Liu1, Mengqing Zang1, Maolin Tang2
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Ba-Da-Chu Road 33#, Beijing 100144, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The medial upper arm flap is a time-honored yet ignored technique. It may be revitalized by combining the techniques of tissue expansion and perforator flap surgery. Pre-expansion increases flap dimension, remodels flap vasculature, and reduces donor site morbidities, making the medial arm flap a more effective option for various defect reconstructions. A pre-expanded brachial artery perforator flap achieves excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with soft tissue defects on the head and neck, axilla, chest wall, and upper extremity. Although this technique requires multiple procedures, each operation is relatively simple and has a low complication rate when properly performed.

