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Purpose: Reconstructing soft tissue defects around the knee with free flaps presents challenges in recipient vessel selection. Although the superficial femoral artery (SFA) offers exposure ease and anatomical stability, concerns arise regarding its distance from the defect site, difficulty in performing anastomosis and potential peripheral ischaemia. This study aimed to reassess the suitability of SFA as a recipient vessel for knee reconstructions by examining our cases and those from previous reports. Methods: We reviewed four cases of knee soft tissue defects reconstructed with free flaps using the SFA, detailing surgical techniques and outcomes. Additionally, a comprehensive literature search was conducted for articles on using SFA as a recipient vessel for knee free flaps, using PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost databases. Results: In all four cases, latissimus dorsi (LD) flaps were used, with end-to-side anastomosis performed using a large slit-shaped arteriotomy. All flaps demonstrated successful survival without complications. Our analysis included 85 cases, comprising four of our cases and 81 cases from 16 articles. Sarcoma resection was the most common aetiology, followed by total knee prosthesis-related defects, trauma and osteomyelitis. Complete flap necrosis occurred in 5% of cases. The LD flap was the predominant choice, alongside other long-pedicle flaps. The SFA provided coverage for all knee areas except the distal lateral patellar region. Conclusion: Despite the limited evidence, the SFA appears to be a reliable recipient vessel for knee soft tissue reconstruction. Comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of the SFA and flaps used enhances the safety and efficacy of soft tissue defect reconstruction around the knee.

Background: During free flap surgery, the surgeon sometimes encounters problems with anastomosis such as intractable arterial spasms or vessel size discrepancy in venous anastomoses. End-to-side (ETS) anastomosis has the advantages of limited chance of vessel spasm and easy handling by adjusting for vessel size discrepancy. We introduced the arterial and venous end-to-side anastomosis (AV-ETS) strategy, which is based on the ETS anastomosis to the main artery and accompanying veins, to avoid intraoperative anastomotic problems when creating a free flap. The aim of this study was to compare flap outcomes and intraoperative anastomotic problems before and after introduction of the AV-ETS strategy in extremity free flap surgery. Materials and methods: We retrospectively examined 72 consecutive extremity free flaps. Before introducing the AV-ETS strategy, we used the conventional strategy in which the recipient artery was selected according to the number of the remaining main artery and the anastomosis technique was flexibly changed, although the end-to-end (ETE) technique was used in most cases. Results: The conventional group had 18 flaps and the AV-ETS group had 54 flaps. The rate of flap survival did not differ between these groups, and there were no cases of flap failure after the introduction of the AV-ETS strategy. The AV-ETS group had significantly fewer flaps that required a change in preoperative planning for the recipient artery or anastomotic site of the artery. Conclusions: The AV-ETS strategy may facilitate reliable preoperative planning and the performance of stable free flap surgery without requiring a flexible response during surgery.

Summary: Purpose: The availability of reliable and suitably sized veins is limited for creating free flaps to treat severe trauma and infection, and it is important to manage vessel size discrepancy between the recipient and flap veins. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of free flaps with large-to-small venous end-to-side (ETS) anastomoses using the microscopic parachute end-to-side (MPETS) anastomosis in soft tissue defects in the extremities. This procedure comprises mainly a wide-slit venotomy and parachute procedure at the heel. Methods: We examined 24 free flaps in 23 patients given a large-to-small venous anastomosis using the MPETS technique. Patient demographics, details of vessel anastomoses, and flap outcomes and complications were obtained from medical records. Results: Two veins were anastomosed in six flaps. Thirty anastomosed veins were assessed, and 24 deep veins, all of which accompanied main arteries, were chosen as recipient veins. The mean diameters were 1.5 mm in the recipient veins and 2.7 mm in the flap veins, and the mean vessel size discrepancy was 1.8-fold (range 1.3–3.3 fold). Because of the presence of venous valves at the anastomotic site, trimming of venous cusps was performed in six veins. All flaps survived, though one venous thrombosis occurred because of pedicle kinking in a case with a short pedicle. Conclusions: The MPETS technique is simple, reliable, and useful for performing various types of venous anastomoses regardless of a vessel size discrepancy and the presence of a venous valve. This may be a good option for large-to-small venous anastomosis in free flaps.