Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Human Vastus Lateralis Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Using the Weil-Blakesley Conchotome
Published on: March 4, 2016
Salvage skull base reconstruction in the endoscopic era: Vastus lateralis free tissue transfer
Stephen Y Kang1, Antoine Eskander1, Ralph Abi Hachem1
1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio.
Background:
When locoregional flaps fail to reconstruct the skull base, the microvascular surgeon faces several reconstructive challenges. We present our technique and results of salvage anterior skull base reconstruction utilizing the vastus lateralis free tissue transfer (VLFTT).
Methods:
Four patients with anterior skull base defects after previous locoregional flap failure underwent free tissue transfer reconstruction with VLFTT.
Results:
The success rate of free tissue transfer was 100%. Complete separation of the intracranial and sinonasal cavities was achieved in all patients; thus, resolving the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage in all patients. The VLFTT was inset through a minimally invasive approach utilizing an anterior maxillotomy via a gingivobuccal incision, an endoscopic medial maxillectomy, and endoscopic inset in all patients. No vein grafts were needed.
Conclusion:
This technique permits endoscopic endonasal inset and placement of reliable, well vascularized free tissue that may be utilized for complex, secondary reconstruction of the skull base.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sutures of the Skull
Sutures are immobile joints between adjacent bones of the skull. The narrow gap between the bones is filled with dense, fibrous connective tissue that unites the bones. The long sutures located between the skull bones are not straight but instead follow irregular, tightly twisting paths. These twisting lines tightly...
Overview of the Skull
The cranial vault surrounds and protects the brain and houses the middle and inner ear structures. This cavity is bounded superiorly by the rounded top of the skull, which...
Reconstruction of Signal using Interpolation
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to:
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy

