Summary
In this study, the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) data were used to describe
the number, course, and distribution of the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral
artery (LCFA), in order to provide an imaging basis for the application of the anterolateral
thigh flap pedicled with each branch of the LCFA. The number, location, direction,
and distribution of the branches of the LCFA were analyzed by selective DSA angiography
in 113 patients who needed an anterolateral thigh flap to repair the wound. LCFA usually
originates from the deep femoral artery or femoral artery and routinely sends out
four main branches: ascending branch, transverse branch, oblique branch, and descending
branch. The ascending branch is about 45 °outward and upward with the horizontal axis
of the body; the transverse branch is roughly parallel to the horizontal axis of the
body to the outside of the thigh or slightly upward or downward; the oblique branch
is about 45 °outward and downward to the body's long axis or horizontal axis and gradually
turns parallel to the body's long axis; the 5∼10 cm at the beginning of the descending
branch is parallel to the long axis of the body, and the internal and external branches
are separated near the midpoint of the line between the anterior superior iliac spine
and the lateral edge of the patella. It is of high reference value to use DSA technology
to analyze the morphological characteristics of LCFA.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
August 17,
2022
Received:
May 17,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
