The cephalic vein: an aid in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Report of 12 cases.
The harvesting of the cephalic vein is a simple and effective technique for providing or augmenting venous drainage in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. It may be divided distally and rotated about the infraclavicular fossa as a cephalic vein transfer or used as a source of free vein grafts. It is easily harvested with minimal morbidity. Its anatomy, surgical technique, indications, and results of use are discussed. In some circumstances, a cephalic vein transfer may allow greater areas of the free TRAM flap to be used more safely. This is discussed.
Barnett
G R
GR
Department of Plastic Surgery, Preston and Northcote Community Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Carlisle
I R
IR
Gianoutsos
M P
MP
D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011045:Poland Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods*; D014680:Veins / Q000637:transplantation*