• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.228-234
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• 2011

Purpose: Reconstruction of chest wall has always been a challenging problem. Muscle flaps for chest wall reconstruction have been helpful in controling infection, filling dead space and covering the prosthetic material in this challenge. However, when we use muscle flaps, functional and cosmetic donor site morbidities could occur. The authors applied and revised various partial muscle flaps and combination use of them to cover the prosthetic material for the chest wall reconstruction and evaluated the usefulness of partial muscle flaps. Methods: This study included 7 patients who underwent chest wall reconstruction using partial muscle flap to cover prosthetic material from 2004 to 2008. The pectoralis major muscle was used in anterior 2/3 parts of it leaving lateral 1/3 parts of it. The anterior 2/3 parts of the pectoralis major muscle were used while lateral 1/3 parts were left. In case of the rectus abdominis muscle flap, we used upper half of it, or we dissected it around its origin and then advanced to cover the site. The latissimus dorsi muscle flap was elevated with lateral portion of it along the descending branch of the thoracodorsal artery. If single partial muscle flap could not cover whole prosthetic material, it would be covered with combination of various partial muscle flaps adjacent to the coverage site. Results: Flap coverage of the prosthetic material and chest wall reconstructions were successfully done. There occurred no immediate and delayed post operative complications such as surgical site infection, seroma, deformity of donor site and functional impairment. Conclusion: When we use the muscle flaps to cover prosthetic material for chest wall reconstruction, use of the partial muscle flaps could be a good way to reduce donor site morbidity. Combination of multiple partial flaps could be a valuable and good alternative way to overcome the disadvantages of partial muscle flaps such as limitation of volume and size as well as flap mobility.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.314-318
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• 2018

Perforator flaps become a reliable option for coverage of various defects and the interest is change from survival of perforator flaps to make thin flaps for better aesthetic and functional outcomes. Multiple flap thinning methods have been demonstrated but it has not been widely attempted because of concerns about compromising circulation of flap thinning. This article will demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of flap thinning technique: defatting after conventional flap elevation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 1996

There are various defects caused by trauma or resection of maignant tumor in the orofacial region, which can be reconstructed with various regional and pararegional flaps. Among these defects, it is very difficult to reconstruct palatal and midfacial defects after maxillectomy and patients have problems in speaking and swallowing of food. Therefore it is very important for surgeons to reconstruct these defects functionally and esthetically and to return the patients to the normal social activity. These defects are usually obturated with prosthodontic appliances to assist the phonation and swallowing. But nowadays surgical reconstruction by various flaps was considered and performed for better rehabilitation. For this purpose the forehead flap, the nasolabial flap, the tongue flap, the sternocleidomastoideous flap, the temporal flap, the latissimus dorsi flap, the scapular flap etc. are used. We reconstructed small-sized plalatal defects with tongue flap, medium-sized palatal and maxillary defects after maxillectomy with temporal myofascial flap and large midfacial defects including eyeball exenteration with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flaps. Here we are to report 5 cases of these flaps used for the reconstruction of palatal and midfacial defects and consider the versatility, reliability and limitation in use of these flaps.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.254-259
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• 2018

Background: The esthetic and functional outcomes of periorbital defect reconstruction are very important because of the complex anatomy and specialized functions of this region. The orbicularis oculi myocutaneous (OOMC) flap is useful for the reconstruction of periorbital defects. But, according to the location and depth of the defects, the reconstruction using OMC flaps with various techniques is rare. The authors have used various kinds of OOMC flaps in various situations and we present an analysis of our experiences. Methods: From November 2001 to July 2017, we used 36 OOMC flaps to reconstruct 30 periorbital defects in 25 patients. We analyzed the cause of the defect, its location, the type of concomitant surgery, the method of flap movement, and complications. Results: Of the 30 defects, basal cell carcinoma was the most common cause, accounting for 20 cases. When the used OOMC flap was classified according to the location of the defects, the switch flap was used in nine cases among 15 defects of lower eyelid, and the V-Y advancement flap was mainly used for other parts. As surgical methods according to the depth of defect were classified, all cases involving the tarsal plate were reconstructed with a composite graft. In case of skin and muscles, they were reconstructed only with OOMC flap or with full-thickness skin graft. Conclusion: The OOMC flap provides good skin quality that is very similar to that of the defect tissue. Depending on the location and depth of the defect, the OOMC flap may be used properly in a variety of ways to achieve good results.

• International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sciences
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 2007

The aeroelastic analysis of rotor blades with trailing edge flaps, focused on reducing vibration while minimizing control effort, are investigated using large deflection-type beam theory in forward flight. The rotor blade aerodynamic forces are calculated using two-dimensional quasi-steady strip theory. For the analysis of forward flight, the nonlinear periodic blade steady response is obtained by integrating the full finite element equation in time through a coupled trim procedure with a vehicle trim. The objective function, which includes vibratory hub loads and active flap control inputs, is minimized by an optimal control process. Numerical simulations are performed for the steady-state forward flight of various advance ratios. Also, numerical results of the steady blade and flap deflections, and the vibratory hub loads are presented for various advance ratios and are compared with the previously published analysis results obtained from modal analysis based on a moderate deflection-type beam theory.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2013

Purpose: For reconstruction of lower extremity defects, various flaps can be used and the appropriate flap must be selected and applied according to the size of the defect. In particular, in cases where the defect size is small to moderate, thinner or smaller volume flaps are useful. The authors performed reconstruction of small to moderate defects on the lower extremities using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flaps and are reporting the results. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients underwent reconstruction of defects on lower extremity areas using superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flaps from July 2011 to July 2012 at this hospital. The flaps were elevated from above the deep fat layer, and, in all cases, the vessel diameter of the flaps was less than 1mm, with the exception of superficial vein that accompanied it. Results: The mean follow up period was 4.46 months, and, despite a partial loss in the flap in two cases, there were no total losses. All donor sites were closed with primary closure, and there was no occurrence of complications, such as hematomas, seromas, or lymphorrheas. The patients were highly satisfied with the donor site scar since it could be masked by underwear. Conclusion: Compared to other flaps, superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator free flaps are thinner in thickness and smaller in volume, which results in a more natural contour of the recipient site after the operation. In addition, since the flap can be elevated from supra-deep fat layer, the operation time can be shortened, and lymphorrhea can be prevented, which in turn lessens donor-site morbidity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.68-79
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• 2010

Lower abdominal tissue is regarded as an ideal donor site for the breast reconstruction because it provides large skin territory and huge amount of soft tissues enough to the breast size. However it is not easy for the surgeon to reconstruct the really natural breast, and needs the learning curve with long time experience. Author represent the various reconstruction procedures for the breast using lower abdominal tissue such as muscle sparing free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA free flaps to reinsure like breast. Indications, and selection of reconstructive methods, surgical timing, selection of donor sites and recipient vessel of these flaps were reviewed. In addition, detailed procedures, surgical tips and secondary adjuvant procedures are described for more symmetry of reconstructed breast. The muscle sparing free TRAM, DIEP, and SIEA free flaps would be enough to provide supple, huge amount of well vascularized tissue for the breast, if these flaps were selected for the appropriate indication according to patient's general condition, obesity, the opposite breast and abdominal tissue condition. Lower abdominal tissue was able to provide versatile designs with sufficient adipose tissue without compromising the integrity of abdominal wall.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to present extended indications for the use of arterialized venous flaps in reconstructing soft tissue, tendon, nerve, blood vessel, and composite tissue defects of the hand of various sizes based on researches and clinical experiences of the authors. Moreover, procedures to achieve complete flap survival and postoperative results are presented. Materials & methods: This study is based on 154 cases of arterialized venous flaps performed to reconstruct the hand during the past 11 years. The most common cause of injury was industrial accidents with 125 cases. One hundred thirty patients or 84% of the cases had emergency operation within 2 weeks of the injury. The flaps were categorized depending on the size of the flap. Flaps smaller than $10\;cm^2$ were classified as small (n=48), those larger than $25\;cm^2$ classified large (n=42) and those in between medium (n=64). Classified according to composition, there were 88 cases (57.1 %) of venous skin flaps, 28 cases of innervated venous flaps, 15 cases of tendocutaneous venous flaps, which incorporated the palmaris longus tendon, for repair of extensor tendons of the fingers, and 17 cases of conduit venous flaps to repair arterial defect. There were 37 cases where multiple injuries to multiple digits were reconstructed. Moreover, there were 6 cases of composite tissue effects that involved soft tissue, blood vessels and tendons. The donor sites were ipsilateral forearm, wrist and thenar area, foot dorsum, and medial calf. The recipient sites were single digit, multiple digits, first web space, dorsum and palm of hand, and wrist. Results: There were seven cases (4.5%) of emergent re-exploration due to vascular crisis, and 3 cases of flap failure characterized by more than 50% necrosis of the flap. The survival rate was 98.1 % (151/154). In small flaps, an average of 1.01 afferent arteries and 1.05 efferent veins were microanastomosed, and in large flaps, an average of 1.88 afferent arteries and 2.19 efferent veins were anastomosed. In 8 cases where innervated flaps were used for reconstructing the palm of the hand, the average static two-point discrimination was $10\;(8{\sim}15)\;mm$. In 12 cases where tenocutaneous flaps were used, active range of motion at the proximal interphalangeal joint was 60 degrees, 20 degrees at the distal interphalangeal joint, and 75 degrees at the metacarpophalangeal joint. Conclusion: We conclude that the arterialized venous flap is a valuable and effective tool in the reconstruction of hand injuries, and could have a more comprehensive set of indications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.590-596
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• 2020

Background The introduction of the partial second toe pulp free flap has enabled superior aesthetic and functional results for fingertip reconstruction in adults. Children undergoing fingertip amputation for various reasons have limited options for reconstruction. Conventional treatment could shorten the finger, leading to poor cosmesis and function. We report 18 years of our experiences with fingertip reconstruction using partial second toe pulp free flaps in patients in early childhood. Methods Medical charts of children who had undergone fingertip reconstruction using partial second toe pulp free flaps from 2001 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical procedures were identical to those for adults, except for the usage of 11-0 nylon sutures. Patients' demographic data, vessel size, flap dimensions, length of the distal phalanx, and functional outcomes over the course of long-term follow-up were documented. The statistical analysis was performed with the Student t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results Eighteen toe pulp flaps in 17 patients (mean age, 3.0 years) were identified. All the flaps survived without any major complications. In long-term follow-up, the flap-covered distal phalanges showed growth in line with regular development. There was no donor-site morbidity, and all children adapted to daily life without any problems. In two-point discrimination tests, the fingertip sensation recovered to almost the same level as that in the contralateral finger. Conclusions Partial second toe pulp free flaps are an excellent option for fingertip reconstruction in young children, as well as in adults.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.61-69
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• 2022

Background Single free flaps are a commonly used reconstructive method for multiple soft tissue defects in digits. We analyzed the flap size, division timing, and degree of necrosis in cases with various types of flap division. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of the medical charts of patients who had undergone single free flap reconstruction for multiple soft tissue defects across their digits from 2011 to 2020. The flap types included were the lateral arm free flap, venous forearm free flap, thenar free flap, hypothenar free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap, medial plantar free flap, and second toe pulp free flap. Flap size, anastomosed vessels, division timing, and occurrence of flap necrosis were retrospectively investigated and then analyzed using the t-test. Results In total, 75 patients were included in the analysis. The success rate of the free flaps was 97.3%. All flaps were successfully divided after at least 17 days, with a mean of 47.17 days (range, 17-243 days) for large flaps and 42.81 days (range, 20-130 days) for the medium and small flaps (P=0.596). The mean area of flap necrosis was 2.38% in the large flaps and 2.58% in the medium and small flaps (P=0.935). Severe necrosis of the divided flap developed in two patients who had undergone flap division at week 6 and week 34. Conclusions In cases where blood flow to the flap has been stable for more than 3 weeks, flap division can be safely attempted regardless of the flap size.