title: [Application of free chimeric perforator flap with deep epigastric inferior artery for the soft tissue defect on the lower extremity with deep dead space].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the feasibility and the effect of free chimeric perforator flap with deep inferior epigastric artery for the soft tissue defect on the lower extremity with deep dead space.
  
  
  METHODS
  From Mar. 2010 to Aug. 2011, 8 patients with soft tissue defects on the lower extremities combined with dead space, bone or joint exposure were reconstructed with free hinged perforator flaps with deep inferior epigastric artery. The muscle flap was inserted into the deep dead space, with perforator flap for superficial defect. The defects on the donor sites were closed directly.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All the flaps survived with primary healing. Good color and texture was achieved. The patients were followed up for 12-24 months, with an average of 16 months. 2 over-thick flaps were treated by flap-thinning surgery. Only linear scar was left on the donor site on abdomen with no malfunction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The free chimeric perforator flap with deep inferior epigastric artery can simultaneously construct the dead space and superficial defect with only anastomosis of one set of vascular pedicle. It is an ideal method with good results on recipientsites and less morbidity on donor sites.
authors.forename: Tang
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Juyu
authors.forename: Qing
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Liming
authors.forename: Wu
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Panfeng
authors.forename: Zhou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zhengbing
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jieyu
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fang
authors.forename: Fu
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jinfei
mesh_terms: D002921:Cicatrix; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D035002:Lower Extremity; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000637:transplantation*; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing