PRS Journal Club “The Superthin ALT Flap” with Edward I. Chang, MD - Feb. 2025 Journal Club
Feb 12, 2025
Discover the latest insights into the superthin anterolateral thigh flap and its implications in reconstructive surgery. Listen as experts tackle the reliability and safety concerns associated with flap perfusion and donor site morbidity. They compare super-thin and superfascial ALT flaps, revealing unexpected similarities in outcomes. The discussion also highlights innovative harvesting techniques tailored to varied anatomical differences between Asian and Western patients, and the importance of advanced ultrasound technology in improving surgical precision.
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Thin ALT Flaps and Population Differences
- The study's Asian population has different body habits than Western populations, impacting the need for thin flaps.
- Thinning techniques may be more applicable and useful in Western populations with larger body sizes.
ALT Flap Elevation Technique
- Dr. Chang prefers subfascial ALT flap elevation and thins the flap after elevation.
- This approach ensures perforator inclusion and allows for aggressive thinning on the periphery.
Perforator Identification Techniques
- Dr. Chang's institution lacks ultra-high frequency ultrasound for perforator identification.
- They rely on direct visualization for perforator exploration during dissection.