title: A microdissected thin tensor fasciae latae perforator flap.
abstract: A new method, named "microdissection," has been introduced to create a thin flap by elevating the tensor fasciae latae perforator flap to serve as microdissected thin tensor fasciae latae perforator flap. In microdissection, perforators that run in the posterolateral direction in the adipose tissue after penetrating the deep fascia are dissected meticulously using an operative microscope, and a thin flap is elevated in a single process. The caliber of the perforator artery and vein in the tensor fasciae latae muscle measures approximately 0.7 mm and 0.9 mm, respectively. When transplanting the flap, an end-to-side anastomosis to the main artery measuring 1 to 2 mm is preferable to avoid the risk of arterial thrombosis. In contrast, an end-to-end anastomosis of the perforator vein to the comitans vein of the main artery can be performed safely. In the present study, 11 flaps were transplanted to the sites of skin defects of the neck, hand, axilla, knee, and foot. The author considers that the first clinical indication of this flap is reconstruction of hand skin defects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chiba Emergency Medical Center, Japan. k-now@mc.newb.ne.jp
authors.forename: Naohiro
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kimura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002056:Burns / Q000601:surgery; D003286:Contracture / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications