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.
Department of Plastic Surgery, Preston and Northcote Community Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
G R
GR
Barnett
I R
IR
Carlisle
M P
MP
Gianoutsos
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*