Arch Plast Surg.  2019 Jan;46(1):39-45. 10.5999/aps.2018.00122.

Investigation of the dorsolateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery for use as the pedicle of a free flap: A cadaveric study and case series

• Nam SB
• Seo JY
• Park TS
• Sung JY
• Kim JH
• Lee JW
• Kim MW
• Oh HC

• KMID: 2440420
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2018.00122

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The dorsolateral branch of the posterior intercostal artery (DLBPI) can be easily found while harvesting a latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction. However, it remains unknown whether this branch can be used for a free flap and whether this branch alone can provide perfusion to the skin. We examined whether the DLBPI could be reliably found and whether it could provide sufficient perfusion.
METHODS
We dissected 10 fresh cadavers and counted DLBPIs with a diameter larger than 2 mm. For each DLBPI, the following parameters were measured: distance from the lateral margin of the LD muscle, level of the intercostal space, distance from the spinal process, and distance from the inferior angle of the scapula.
RESULTS
The DLBPI was easily found in all cadavers and was reliably located in the specified area. The average number of DLBPIs was 1.65. They were located between the seventh and eleventh intercostal spaces. The average length of the DLBPI between the intercostal space and the LD muscle was 4.82 cm. To assess the perfusion of the DLBPIs, a lead oxide mixture was injected through the branch and observed using X-rays, and it showed good perfusion.
CONCLUSIONS
The DLBPI can be used as a pedicle in free flaps for small defects. DLBPI flaps have some limitations, such as a short pedicle. However, an advantage of this branch is that it can be reliably located through simple dissection. For women, it has the advantage of concealing the donor scar underneath the bra band.

Keyword

Surgical flaps; Free tissue flaps; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Cadaver

MeSH Terms

Arteries*
Cadaver*
Cicatrix
Female
Free Tissue Flaps*
Humans
Mammaplasty
Myocutaneous Flap
Perfusion
Reconstructive Surgical Procedures
Scapula
Skin
Superficial Back Muscles
Surgical Flaps
Tissue Donors