Novel Design of the Chimeric Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flap that Provides for Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Composite Tissue Defects of the Heel in Children.

[OBJECTIVE] The aim of the present study was to report a novel design of the chimeric deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap (DIEP) to achieve dead space filling, Achilles tendon bridging, and skin resurfacing simultaneously with minimal donor-site morbidity.

[METHODS] From September 2012 to May 2016, a retrospective study was carried out on six pediatric patients with composite soft tissue defects of the heel that were repaired with the chimeric DIEP flap. The chimeric flap design included a flap of the anterior sheath of the rectus, a block of rectus muscle, and a large skin paddle. All the parts were supplied by a common artery. After harvesting the flap, all element parts were inserted at the corresponding sites in a tension-free manner. With one set of vessel anastomoses at the recipient site, accurate repair with tendon reconstruction, dead space elimination, and wound covering were accomplished. The donor site incisions were closed initially. Data on patient age, medical history, injury severity, defect size, flap dimensions, recipient vessels, donor site closure, complications, and follow-up were collected and reviewed.

[RESULTS] Five of the six chimeric DIEP flaps survived without complications. The remaining one case experienced partial necrosis of the skin paddle caused by venous congestion, which healed after routine dressing changes. Primary donor site closure was accomplished in all cases. The mean follow-up was 18.6 months (range, 10-36 months). Five patients had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes; one patient needed a secondary debulking procedure. Compared to the unaffected side, the affected side showed no obvious difference for ankle movement, tiptoe function, and patient gait during the follow-up period. Good ankle function was observed in all patients. There was no donor site breakdown, with only a slightly noticeable linear scar.

[CONCLUSION] The chimeric DIEP flap reduced the operative time, solved the problem of deficiency of recipient vessels, and attained satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes with low donor site morbidity. Therefore, it is a promising option for three-dimensional reconstruction of composite defects with dead space and Achilles tendon defects as well as skin loss in children.