The first muscular branch of the deep inferior epigastric artery: an anatomical study and clinical applications.

Background: Reconstruction of distal lower extremity defects often necessitates free tissue transfer. Because of its reliable vascular anatomy, pedicle length, and vessel size, the free rectus abdominis flap is widely used for this purpose. To minimize donor-site morbidity, several authors have described a segmental, or "partial," free rectus abdominis flap.

MOC-PS(SM) CME article: Dupuytren's disease.

Learning Objectives: After reviewing this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the condition of Dupuytren's disease in its various presentations and severity. 2.

Laparoscopically harvested omental flap for chest wall and intrathoracic reconstruction.

Minimally invasive surgery has gained popularity in the last decade and its applications to plastic surgery are expanding. Pedicled omental flaps are used for the reconstruction of chest wall defects following debridement of sternal infections and mediastinitis. The main advantages of using an omental flap are its large size and bulk to fill large 3-dimensional dead spaces, long pedicle, and rich vascular and lymphatic networks.