Chimeric flap in clinical use.
With the development of modern microsurgical reconstruction, there are several alternative methods for the complicated head and neck defect or injured extremity. The double-paddled flap, double flaps, and double flap with vascular flow-through linkage are good tools for extensive wide, composite, and three-dimensional defects. When faced with a difficult reconstruction, the expense, morbidity of the donor site, and operative time must be taken into consideration. Compared with other combined composite flaps and other methods, the chimeric flap has many advantages including: easy three-dimensional insetting, acceptable aesthetic appearance, reduced donor site morbidity, design with the least effort and operation time, and one pair of recipient vessel. The disadvantages of the chimeric flaps include: the variation of perforators, the requirement of a learning curve, and, sometimes, the need for a second venous drainage or shifting to double flaps. Overall, in selected cases, the chimeric flap is a good option for the reconstruction of extensive, composite, and three-dimensional defects.