title: A pedicle-lengthening technique for free latissimus dorsi muscle flaps: the "Y-V-I" principle.
abstract: This article describes a pedicle-lengthening procedure (the Y-V-I principle) that reverts a Y-shaped vascular structure into an I-shaped vascular structure, and its application to the latissimus dorsi muscle. If the Y-shaped vascular structure is divided proximal to the branching point and ligated, it becomes a V-shaped vascular structure. To obtain a linear I-shaped vascular structure, the V is opened, and the length of the vascular pedicle will become equal to the combined length of both limbs of the V. This report indicates that the latissimus dorsi flap may be transferred based on the circumflex scapular artery or the serratus branch.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ondokuz Mayis University (OMU), Medical Faculty, Samsun, Turkey.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Karacalar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Demir
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Güneren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*