Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
Repairing composite mandibular defects with the chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap
Qiu-Sheng Xu1, Zhou-Yang Wu2, Bi-Zhu Luo3
1State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, 430079, Wuhan, PR China; Department of Oral Surgery, Stomatological Hospital of Xiamen Medical College, 361000, Xiamen, PR China.
The chimeric deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIAPF) offers a reliable solution for mandibular reconstruction. This innovative technique successfully restores function and aesthetics with excellent flap survival and minimal donor site complications.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Mandibular defects impair crucial functions and aesthetics, necessitating advanced reconstruction.
- While fibula flaps are standard, the deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) bone flap has limitations in soft tissue utility and vascular consistency.
- The chimeric DCIA perforator flap (DCIAPF) leverages reliable perforators for improved soft tissue coverage and reduced donor site morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the chimeric DCIA perforator flap (DCIAPF) for composite mandibular defect reconstruction.
- To assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes of DCIAPF in patients with complex mandibular defects.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 consecutive patients undergoing DCIAPF reconstruction.
- Evaluation of mandibular dimension restoration, soft tissue repair, flap survival, bone integration, and donor site healing.
- Utilized terminal DCIA skin perforators for thin, well-vascularized skin paddles.
Main Results:
- Successful restoration of mandibular dimensions (35.64-120.60 mm) and soft tissue repair (5x3 cm-10x5 cm paddles).
- Achieved 100% flap survival with optimal bone integration on postoperative imaging.
- Demonstrated primary donor site healing with minimal complications (one minor skin revision, one transient gait issue).
Conclusions:
- The DCIAPF provides precise 3D mandibular reconstruction with adaptable soft tissue coverage and concealed donor scars.
- This technique is a functionally and aesthetically viable alternative to fibula flaps for complex composite mandibular defects.
- The robust vascular architecture of the DCIAPF ensures reliable outcomes and reduced patient morbidity.
