Radial artery fascial flow-through free flap for combined revascularization in moyamoya disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Free flaps are commonly used by other surgical subspecialties for soft tissue reconstruction and revascularization. Cranial applications of these flaps have been limited to only a single case report. OBJECTIVE: To present a new technique for combined revascularization in moyamoya disease using a flow-through free flap. METHODS: Data were obtained from an Institutional Review Board-approved, prospectively maintained database with informed consent from the patient. RESULTS: A 28-yr-old patient presented with progressive stenosis of the proximal anterior cerebral artery resulting in ischemic infarcts. Direct revascularization of the anterior cerebral artery territory and indirect revascularization of the middle cerebral artery with a large vascularized fascial pedicle was performed. CONCLUSION: Flow-through free flaps offer a unique combination of revascularization and a large vascularized pedicle. This technique highlights the application of these flaps for revascularization in moyamoya disease and the value of multidisciplinary collaboration. Revascularization will likely play an increasing role in the open surgical treatment of cerebrovascular disease. We believe that flow-through free flaps will be a contribution to the future of revascularization in neurosurgery.