Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to A Y Kochish.
In the early 1980s Japanese surgeons introduced very long free flaps based on two vascular pedicles from the thoracodorsal and groin territories. Such flaps, vascularized through two pedicles, may be called megaflaps. One or both bundles may be anastomosed as necessary to vascularize the flap. Anatomical studies and clinical experience point to new donor sites for such megaflaps.
Advances during the last 15 years in microsurgical technique and in our understanding of vascular anatomy have led to the development of two new branches of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The first is the transfer of free composite flaps with microvascular anastomoses. The second is transposition of island flaps solely on a proximal or distal vascular bundle. Both types of operations require an adequate vascular pedicle to provide sufficient blood circulation for flap viability and survival in the recipient site.