Arch Hand Microsurg.  2020 Dec;25(4):326-330. 10.12790/ahm.20.0074.

The Retrograde Limb of the Internal Mammary Artery: An Alternative Inflow Option for Free Flap Breast Reconstruction

• Hahn HM
• Cha B
• Lee IJ

• KMID: 2508949
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.20.0074

Abstract

Autologous breast reconstruction using a free flap is a popular option for breast reconstruction after mastectomy. The internal mammary system is the recipient of choice in autologous breast reconstruction. We present our experience utilizing the caudal limb of the internal mammary artery as the recipient artery. A 44-year-old female patient with invasive ductal carcinoma in her right breast received total mastectomy and reconstruction with the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap was planned. During the operation, arterial insufficiency occurred three times; therefore, we decided to change the plan and to perform anastomosis to the caudal limb of the internal mammary artery. Retrograde blood flow of the internal mammary artery was successfully achieved. Immediate postoperative and long-term outcomes of the flap were satisfactory. This inflow option may be useful in cases with arterial insufficiency on conventional anastomosis or in cases with bipedicled or stacked flaps for unilateral breast reconstruction.

Keyword

Breast reconstruction; Microsurgical free flap; Internal mammary artery; Breast cancer