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Technical
IVT
Interpolation Flap
A two-stage reconstructive technique where tissue is transferred from a distant site while maintaining its original blood supply.
Full Definition
An interpolation flap is a reconstructive procedure performed in two stages, where tissue with its blood supply intact is rotated or advanced from a distant donor site to cover a defect. The flap remains attached to its pedicle during the first stage, and the pedicle is divided in a second procedure once the flap has established new blood supply at the recipient site. Common examples include paramedian forehead flaps for nasal reconstruction and melolabial flaps for lip defects.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the staging when documenting interpolation flap procedures.
In Context
- "The nasal defect required an interpolation flap from the forehead with pedicle division scheduled in three weeks." — Operative report
- "Second-stage interpolation flap surgery involved pedicle division and inset refinement." — Surgical procedure note
Also known as
two-stage flap
pedicled interpolation flap
Contrasted with
direct closure
primary closure
Don't confuse with
advancement flap
rotation flap
transposition flap