The Neurovascular Territories of the Human Body: Anatomic Study and Clinical Applications

Funded Activity Summary

A Melways Roadmap of the anatomy of the large and small nerves, arteries and veins of the human body is underway and will take a further three years to complete. The aim is to evolve or modify Reconstructive Plastic Surgery techniques taking tissue from a hidden site and, where possible, include a nerve supply with the transplant so that feeling can be restored to skin flaps and function to transferred muscle. The fundamental objective is to improve the quality of the patients life. We have already completed a thorough examination of the following regions: (i) head and neck (ii) forearm (iii) leg These have received international acclaim and awards. We are currently examining: (i) hand and foot (ii) thigh and buttock. Still to be commenced: (i) arm and shoulder (ii) torso (iii) back. Reconstructive surgery involves the treatment and the reconstruction of defects throughout the whole human body. These defects may arise in any member of the family. With modern reconstructive techniques a problem can often be solved in one operation thus avoiding multiple operations and long periods of hospitalisation which can be devastating to both patient and family. These new techniques nevertheless have demanded a reappraisal of the basic sciences, especially the anatomy of the blood and nerve supply to the potential transplant. This is essential so that they can be designed with not only precision and safety but in such a way that there is minimal disability at the donor site. As well as restoring shape and form, the patient can have tremendous improvement in quality of life and independence if function is also restored. In order to provide function (feeling and movement) a working nerve supply must be included in the reconstruction. Therefore our research must continue to investigate the complex patterns of nerve supply to tissues of the body and correlate this information with the blood supply which is needed to keep the tissue alive.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2000

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $186,650.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Surgery

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Cancer ablation and reconstruction | Congenital disorders, etiology, diagnosis and treatment | Free tissue transfer | Improved quality of life. | Microneurovascular relationships | Reappraisal of human anatomy | Reconstructive surgery | Trauma - reconstruction and rehabilitation

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