Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery (deep + inferior_epigastric_artery)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


Breast reconstruction using perforator flaps

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
Jay W. Granzow MD
Abstract Background Perforator flaps allow the transfer of the patient's own skin and fat in a reliable manner with minimal donor-site morbidity. The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEP) and superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flaps transfer the same tissue from the abdomen to the chest for breast reconstruction as the TRAM flap without sacrificing the rectus muscle or fascia. Gluteal artery perforator (GAP) flaps allow transfer of tissue from the buttock, also with minimal donor-site morbidity. Indications Most women requiring tissue transfer to the chest for breast reconstruction or other reasons are candidates for perforator flaps. Absolute contraindications to perforator flap breast reconstruction include history of previous liposuction of the donor site or active smoking (within 1 month prior to surgery). Anatomy and Technique The DIEP flap is supplied by intramuscular perforators from the deep inferior epigastric artery and vein. The SIEA flap is based on the SIEA and vein, which arise from the common femoral artery and saphenous bulb. GAP flaps are based on perforators from either the superior or inferior gluteal artery. During flap harvest, these perforators are meticulously dissected free from the surrounding muscle which is spread in the direction of the muscle fibers and preserved intact. The pedicle is anastomosed to recipient vessels in the chest and the donor site is closed without the use of mesh or other materials. Conclusions Perforator flaps allow the safe and reliable transfer of abdominal tissue for breast reconstruction. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;94:441,454. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


A single center comparison of one versus two venous anastomoses in 564 consecutive DIEP flaps: Investigating the effect on venous congestion and flap survival,

MICROSURGERY, Issue 3 2010
Morteza Enajat M.D.
Background: Venous complications have been reported as the more frequently encountered vascular complications seen in the transfer of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator (DIEP) flaps, with a variety of techniques described for augmenting the venous drainage of these flaps to minimize venous congestion. The benefits of such techniques have not been shown to be of clinical benefit on a large scale due to the small number of cases in published series. Methods: A retrospective study of 564 consecutive DIEP flaps at a single institution was undertaken, comparing the prospective use of one venous anastomosis (273 cases) to two anastomoses (291 cases). The secondary donor vein comprised a second DIEA venae commitante in 7.9% of cases and a superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in 92.1%. Clinical outcomes were assessed, in particular rates of venous congestion. Results: The use of two venous anastomoses resulted in a significant reduction in the number of cases of venous congestion to zero (0 vs. 7, P = 0.006). All other outcomes were similar between groups. Notably, the use of a secondary vein did not result in any significant increase in operative time (385 minutes vs. 383 minutes, P = 0.57). Conclusions: The use of a secondary vein in the drainage of a DIEP flap can significantly reduce the incidence of venous congestion, with no detriment to complication rates. Consideration of incorporating both the superficial and deep venous systems is an approach that may further improve the venous drainage of the flap. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010. [source]


A subfascial variant of the deep inferior epigastric artery demonstrated by preoperative multidetector computed tomographic angiography: A case report

MICROSURGERY, Issue 2 2010
Cristina Garusi M.D.
Precise preoperative imaging by multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography for planning of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap dissection has been reported for enormous advantages in terms of reduced operative time and minimized flap-related complications. This case report shows a particularly rare anatomical subfascia variant of deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) which can be preoperatively demonstrated by MDCT angiogram. Therefore, the intraoperative finding also confirms the radiologic data and results in meticulous flap harvesting during incision on anterior rectus sheath. Additionally, the authors emphasize on performing preoperative high quality imaging for DIEP intervention precisely for specific vulnerable course of subfascial plane DIEP, which is rare but tends to be at risk without foreknowing its exact course. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010. [source]


The perforator angiosome: A new concept in the design of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps for breast reconstruction

MICROSURGERY, Issue 1 2010
B.Med.Sc., P.G.Dip.Surg.Anat., Ph.D., Warren M. Rozen M.B.B.S.
Background: The previously described "perfusion zones" of the abdominal wall vasculature are based on filling of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) and all its branches simultaneously. With the advent of the DIEA perforator flap, only a single or several perforators are included in supply to the flap. As such, a new model for abdominal wall perfusion has become necessary. The concept of a "perforator angiosome" is thus explored. Methods: A clinical and cadaveric study of 155 abdominal walls was undertaken. This comprised the use of 10 whole, unembalmed cadaveric abdominal walls for angiographic studies, and 145 abdominal wall computed tomographic angiograms (CTAs) in patients undergoing preoperative imaging of the abdominal wall vasculature. The evaluation of the subcutaneous branching pattern and zone of perfusion of individual DIEA perforators was explored, particularly exploring differences between medial and lateral row perforators. Results: Fundamental differences exist between medial row and lateral row perforators, with medial row perforators larger (1.3 mm vs. 1 mm) and more likely to ramify in the subcutaneous fat toward the contralateral hemiabdomen (98% of cases vs. 2% of cases). A model for the perfusion of the abdominal wall based on a single perforator is presented. Conclusion: The "perforator angiosome" is dependent on perforator location, and can mapped individually with the use of preoperative imaging. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2010. [source]


Establishing the case for CT angiography in the preoperative imaging of abdominal wall perforators

MICROSURGERY, Issue 5 2008
BMedSc, PGDipSurgAnat, W. M. Rozen MBBS
Preoperative imaging of the donor site vasculature for deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator flaps and other abdominal wall reconstructive flaps has become more commonplace. Abdominal wall computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been described as the most accurate and reproducible modality available for demonstrating the location, size, and course of individual perforators. We drew on our experience of 75 consecutive patients planned for DIEA-based flap surgery undertaking CTA at a single institution. Seven of these cases have been reported to highlight the utility of CTA for preoperative planning, emphasizing the unique information supplied by CTA that may influence operative outcome. Among all cases that underwent preoperative imaging with CTA, there was 100% flap survival, with no partial or complete flap necrosis. We found that in three of the cases described, the choice of operation was necessarily selected based on CTA findings (DIEA perforator flap, transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap, and superficial superior epigastric artery flap). In addition, three cases demonstrate that CTA findings may dictate the decision to operate at all, and one case demonstrates the utility of CTA for evaluating the entire abdominal contents for comorbid conditions. Our experience with CTA for abdominal wall perforator mapping has been highly beneficial. CTA may guide operative technique and improve perforator selection in uncomplicated cases, and in difficult cases it can guide the most appropriate operation or indeed if an operation is appropriate at all. This is particularly the case in the setting of comorbidities or previous abdominal surgery. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008. [source]


The branching pattern of the deep inferior epigastric artery revisited in-vivo: A new classification based on CT angiography

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 1 2010
Warren M. Rozen
Abstract The deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) is a reliable pedicle in the design of DIEA perforator flaps, with variations in its anatomy infrequent. Previous studies describing its branching pattern have all been based on cadaveric anatomy and described the following three branching patterns: Type 1 (single trunk), Type 2 (bifurcating trunk), and Type 3 (trifurcating trunk). The increased use of preoperative imaging, particularly with computed tomographic angiography (CTA), has enabled visualization of the DIEA and its branches in vivo, providing a functional view of this anatomy. We undertook a study of 250 patients (500 hemiabdominal walls) undergoing preoperative CTA before DIEA perforator flaps for breast reconstruction. The branching pattern of the DIEA and correlation to the contralateral hemiabdominal wall were assessed. The branching patterns of the DIEA were found to be different in vivo compared with cadaveric studies, with a higher than previously reported incidence of Type 1 patterns and lower than reported incidence of Type 3 patterns, and that some patterns exist which were not included within the previous nomenclature (namely, Type 0 or absent DIEA and Type 4 or four-trunk DIEA). There was also shown to be no overall concordance in the branching patterns of the DIEA between contralateral sides of the same abdominal wall; however, there was shown to be a statistically significant concordance in cases of a Type 1 DIEA (51% concordance, P = 0.04). As such, a new modification to the classification system for the branching pattern of the DIEA is presented based on imaging findings. Clin. Anat. 23:87,92, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Reviewing the vascular supply of the anterior abdominal wall: Redefining anatomy for increasingly refined surgery

CLINICAL ANATOMY, Issue 2 2008
W.M. Rozen
Abstract The abdominal wall integument is becoming the standard donor tissue for postmastectomy breast reconstruction, with its vascular supply of key importance to the reconstructive surgeon. Refinements in tissue transfer, from pedicled to free flaps and musculocutaneous to perforator flaps, have required increasing understanding of finer levels of this vascular anatomy. The widespread utilization of the deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator flap, particularly for breast reconstruction, has rekindled clinical interest in further levels of anatomical detail, in particular the location and course of the musculocutaneous perforators of the DIEA. Advances in operative techniques, and anatomical and imaging technologies, have facilitated an increase in this understanding. The current review comprises an appraisal of both the anatomical and clinical literature, with a view to highlighting the key anatomical features of the abdominal wall vasculature as related to reconstructive flaps. Clin. Anat. 21:89,98, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]