Flap prefabrication using the "vascular crane" principle: an experimental study and clinical application

Br J Plast Surg. 1994 Jun;47(4):250-6. doi: 10.1016/0007-1226(94)90007-8.

Abstract

Techniques for tissue transfer have continued to evolve. Free flap prefabrication represents a further progression of well known plastic surgery principles in the arena of tissue transfer. This report presents an experimental study demonstrating that the repeated use of a vascular pedicle to prefabricate flaps in the rabbit is possible. There is a decrease in flap viability with the second transfer. A clinical case using this repeated transfer or "crane" principle is also reported. We conclude that the repeated use of a vascular pedicle to prefabricate multiple flaps is a viable option in selected cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Burns / surgery*
  • Face / surgery*
  • Facial Injuries / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Lip / injuries
  • Lip / surgery
  • Male
  • Nose Deformities, Acquired / surgery
  • Rabbits
  • Rhinoplasty / methods
  • Surgical Flaps / methods*