Challenges Associated with Internal Mammary Vessels in Multiple Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

Date

2017-01-17

Authors

Kayfan, Samar

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: As breast reconstructive microsurgeons increase their armamentarium of flaps with experience, the need for stacked and multiple flaps may generate an improved aesthetic outcome. Bi-pedicled and stacked flaps have been performed by microsurgeons using the cranial and caudal internal mammary system. We present our experience utilizing this system for flap reliability. METHOD: 736 flaps for breast reconstruction were performed from 2010-2016 (DIEP/SIEA and PAP flaps) by 2 senior surgeons at a university hospital. 220 (30%) of those flaps were either: Stacked PAP flaps, 4-flap (Bilateral PAP+DIEP flap), or Double-pedicle DIEP/SIEA flaps. Specific data regarding number, type, and locality of anastomosis was analyzed. RESULTS: 454 anastomosis were performed in 87 patients who underwent 220 flaps. Out of 454 anastomosis, 167 were to Caudal IMA/V (37%), 171 were to Cranial IMA/V (38%), and 116 were intra-flap (25%). There were 0 flap losses in Double-pedicle DIEP group (58-patients, 116-flaps), 3 flap losses in 4-Flap group (23-patients, 92-flaps), and 0 in Stacked-PAP group (6-patients, 12-flaps). In the 3 flap losses of 4-Flap group, 2 flaps were to Caudal IMA/V (1 arterial thrombosis, 1 venous thrombosis), and 1 cranial IMA/V (venous thrombosis). Also, in the 4-Flap group, 3 flaps were salvaged by converting to intra-flap anastomosis due to intraoperative caudal arterial thrombosis. In the Stacked-PAP group, there were 2 flaps salvaged, 1 by converting to intra-flap artery from caudal IMA, and other was venous congestion from caudal IMV pedicle kink seen POD#1. In the Double-pedicle DIEP group, 1 flap was salvaged by converting 1 arterial anastomosis from caudal IMA to intra-flap. Total flap loss rate in entire group was 1.4%. Flap loss avoidance by either conversion to intra-flap anastomosis or early suspicion of caudal system compromise was 2.7%. CONCLUSION: Caudal IMA/V system remains a viable and safe option for anastomosis in multiple flap procedures. However, based on our large experience with stacked and multiple flaps, we add caution utilizing the caudal system, particularly in patients with radiation, anastomosis mismatch and intraoperative spasm. The enthusiasm towards usage of caudal IMA/V system should be appropriately attenuated in certain circumstances with preference towards intra-flap anastomosis.

General Notes

The 55th Annual Medical Student Research Forum at UT Southwestern Medical Center (Monday, January 17, 2017, 2-5 p.m., D1.600)

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Citation

Kayfan, S., Zhou, M., Wang, J., Teotia, S. S., & Haddock, N. T. (2017, January 17). Challenges associated with internal mammary vessels in multiple free flap breast reconstruction. Poster session presented at the 55th Annual Medical Student Research Forum, Dallas, TX. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/2152.5/4054

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