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Technical
IVT
Island Pedicle Flap
A flap of tissue completely isolated except for its vascular pedicle, allowing greater mobility and rotation.
Full Definition
An island pedicle flap consists of skin and subcutaneous tissue that has been completely separated from surrounding tissue except for its blood supply, which remains intact through an identified vascular pedicle. This design provides maximum mobility and allows the flap to be rotated through wide arcs or even 180 degrees. The technique is particularly useful for covering defects where the donor tissue must travel a significant distance or change orientation substantially.
Usage
Usage note: Always identify the vascular pedicle when describing island pedicle flaps.
In Context
- "An island pedicle flap based on the superficial temporal vessels was used for scalp reconstruction." — Operative report
- "The mobility of the island pedicle flap allowed coverage without tension." — Surgical technique description
Also known as
island flap
pedicled island flap
Contrasted with
advancement flap
rotation flap
Don't confuse with
free flap
random pattern flap