The nutrient flap: a new concept of the role of the flap and application to the salvage of arteriosclerotic lower limbs.

The nutrient flap is a new concept of the role of the flap. It has three functions: (1) it provides supplementary blood flow to ischemic zones, (2) it assists venous drainage in regions of venous insufficiency, and (3) it induces the formation of a capillary network. Its skin covering role is only accessory. We have applied this principle to osteitis, pseudoarthrosis, and arteriosclerosis. The nutrient flap constitutes a new type of treatment for stage IV arteriosclerosis of the lower limbs when classical revascularization techniques cannot be performed and when high amputation is indicated. Four clinical cases and the surgical techniques used are described. The flap, usually raised from the latissimus dorsi, is anastomosed to the popliteal artery by means of an inverted saphenous vein graft. It is applied to the distal extremity of the limb after excision of the necrotic tissues. The nutrient flap preserves weight-bearing by maintaining the heel.