Techniques and Innovations in Flap Engineering: A Review

Currently, the gold standard for complex defect reconstruction is autologous tissue flaps, with vascularized composite allografts as its highest level. Good clinical results are obtained despite considerable obstacles, such as limited donor sites, donor site morbidity, and complex operations. Researchers in the field of tissue engineering are trying to generate novel tissue flaps requiring small or no donor site sacrifice. At the base of existing technologies is the tissue’s potential for regeneration and neovascularization. METHODS: A review was conducted identifying relevant published articles in PubMed on the subject of flap engineering, with the focus on plastic surgery. This review article surveys contemporary technologies in flap engineering, including cell sheet technology, prefabricated flaps, and tissue engineering chambers. CONCLUSIONS: Some of the described procedures, though not yet ready for clinical use, are certainly ready for trial in large animal models and even human studies. Tissue engineering is a promising field for the handling of large and complex tissue defects.