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Lohasammakul S, Tonaree W, Suppasilp C, Numwong T, Ratanalekha R, Han HH. Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Flap: Vascular Pattern and Territory Across the Midline. J Reconstr Microsurg 2024; 40:435-442. [PMID: 37884058 DOI: 10.1055/a-2199-3960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap offers a significant advantage of lower donor site morbidity over other abdominal-based flaps for breast reconstruction. However, the inconsistent anatomy and territory across the midline remains a major issue. This study aimed to investigate the SIEA and determine its pattern and territory across the midline. METHODS Twenty cadavers were studied. Ipsilateral dye was injected to the dominant SIEA. Dissection was performed to evaluate the SIEA origin, artery and vein pattern, vessel diameter, and dye diffusion territory. RESULTS Overall, three SIEA patterns were identified: bilateral presence (45%), ipsilateral presence (30%), and bilateral absence (25%). The territory depended on the vessel course and dominant SIEA diameter, not on its common origin from the femoral artery, at the pubic tubercle level. Regarding the midline territory (pubic tubercle level to umbilicus), SIEA (type 1a) with a diameter of ≥1.4 mm on either side supplied at least half the distance, whereas SIEA with a diameter of <1 mm was limited to the suprapubic area. CONCLUSION Designing a SIEA flap island across the midline is feasible when contralateral SIEA is present to augment the contralateral territory (e.g., type 1a SIEA) or in SIEA with a common/superficial external pudendal artery origin. Preoperative imaging studies are important for confirming the SIEA system. When the diameter at the origin of the SIEA flap is larger than 1.4 mm, the blood supply to the ipsilateral and contralateral sides is sufficient to enable safe flap elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suphalerk Lohasammakul
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Warangkana Tonaree
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiyawat Suppasilp
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Terasut Numwong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rosarin Ratanalekha
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Hyun Ho Han
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Varnava C, Wiebringhaus P, Kampshoff D, Hirsch T, Kueckelhaus M. Use of the superficial inferior epigastric vein in breast reconstruction with a deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap. Front Surg 2023; 10:1050172. [PMID: 37284559 PMCID: PMC10239860 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1050172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autologous breast reconstruction is highly regarded in reconstructive surgery after mastectomy. DIEP flap reconstruction represents the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction. The major advantages of DIEP flap reconstruction are its adequate volume, large vascular caliber and pedicle length. Despite reliable anatomy, there are procedures where the plastic surgeon's creativity is required, not only to shape the new breast, but also to overcome microsurgical challenges. An important tool in these cases is the superficial epigastric vein (SIEV). Methods 150 DIEP flap procedures performed between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated for SIEV use. Intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed. Rate of anastomosis revision, total and partial flap loss, fat necrosis and donor site complications were evaluated. Results In a total of 150 breast reconstructions with a DIEP flap performed in our clinic, the SIEV was used in 5 cases. The indication for using the SIEV was to improve the venous drainage of the flap or as a graft to reconstruct the main artery perforator. Among the 5 cases, no flap loss occurred. Conclusions Use of the SIEV is an excellent method to expand the microsurgical options in breast reconstruction with DIEP flap surgery. It provides a safe and reliable procedure to improve venous outflow in cases of inadequate outflow from the deep venous system. The SIEV could also provide a very good option for fast and reliable application as an interposition device in case of arterial complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Varnava
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Philipp Wiebringhaus
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - David Kampshoff
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Tobias Hirsch
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Maximilian Kueckelhaus
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Fachklinik Hornheide, Muenster, Germany
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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