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Anatomical Mapping of the Omental Vasculature to Refine its Optimal Use in Free Flap Transfer
Author(s) -
McAndrew Darryl,
Buckley Lisa,
Ashford Bruce,
Clark Jonathan
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.544.3
Subject(s) - anastomosis , right gastroepiploic artery , medicine , gastroepiploic artery , artery , cadaver , microsurgery , anatomy , surgery , bypass grafting
Current clinical practice when harvesting an omental free flap is utilisation of the right gastroepiploic artery. This approach is time consuming and surgically demanding / invasive. The clinical use of omental free tissue transfer for reconstruction is based on arterial dimensions, capabilities of surgical instrumentation and surgeon experience. This study mapped the omental arterial distributions and the diameter of the branching omental arteries to determine the viability of alternative vessels for microvascular anastomosis. By establishing the dimensions, patterns and calibres of omental arcades, disruption to the gastroepiploic arterial distribution could be minimised and allow smaller and simpler omental flaps to be harvested. Mapping of the pattern of the omental vasculature and physical measurement of the arterial omental branches and primary gastroepiploic arteries occurred within 10 cadavers. Results indicate average arterial omental branch diameters of 0.71mm, compared to an average gastroepiploic artery diameter of 1.66mm. Vessel diameters do not support the reliable use of omental branches as candidates for microvascular anastomosis, and support the continued use of the larger, more proximal gastroepiploic artery.