Neurovascular island flaps

Dive into advanced reconstructive techniques with our Neurovascular Island Flap course. Presented by Dr. Anthony Azzi, an expert in skin cancer surgery, this course offers a comprehensive understanding of Bezier and Keystone flaps and their applications.
This course provides a deep dive into the anatomy, design, and surgical application of neurovascular island flaps, with a focus on the Bezier and Keystone flaps. Topics covered include:
- Anatomical Considerations: Understanding the vascular and nerve supply crucial for flap viability, including the role of perforators and the importance of preserving blood flow during surgery.
- Design and Marking: Step-by-step guidance on marking the flaps using French curves for the Bezier flap and trapezoidal patterns for the Keystone flap, ensuring precision and alignment with skin tension lines.
- Infrared Imaging Tools: Demonstrations of using portable infrared cameras to identify vascular supply, an innovative method enhancing flap planning and execution.
- Surgical Technique: Detailed walkthroughs of flap elevation, fascia scoring, and suturing methods, emphasising minimal undermining to maintain flap integrity and reduce complications.
- Applications and Case Studies: Practical applications on lower limb defects, addressing scenarios where traditional grafts may fail, such as on the shin. Real-life case demonstrations and videos illustrate both simple and complex reconstructions.
- Advantages and Limitations: Analysis of the benefits of these flaps, including better survival rates in challenging areas, as well as considerations like scar size and surgical complexity.
This course combines theoretical insights with hands-on demonstrations to equip you with the skills to perform advanced reconstructions confidently. Interactive discussions, assessments, and case studies ensure you can apply these techniques in clinical practice, improving outcomes for patients with complex reconstructive needs.

1. Summarise key features of perforator based Bezier and Keystone island flaps and how to apply to the lower limb and large back defects. 
2. Distinguish island flaps and analyse the application of the V-Y flap for facial surgery.
3. Plan the following procedures in a simulated setting: reconstruction of lower limb and large back defects, and assess against best practice criteria to ensure patient safety.
4. Decide when to refer patients to others.

All degree qualified medical practitioners.