The segmental pectoralis major free flap: anatomical features of its vascular pedicle.
BACKGROUND
The pectoralis major muscle may be suited for free transplantation of a segment of the muscle. We investigated the length and diameter of its vascular pedicle to determine its feasibility.


METHODS
The length of the pedicle, its arterial diameter, and its entry point into the muscle were determined in 17 cadaveric flaps.


RESULTS
The pedicle length up to the medial border of the pectoralis minor muscle averaged 6.6 cm. The mean external arterial diameter was 1.8 mm, and the venous diameter was consistently larger. The vascular pedicle consistently entered the muscle lateral to the midpoint of, and a mean of, 8.8 cm caudal to the clavicular line.


CONCLUSIONS
The vascular length and diameter are sufficient for microvascular anastomosis. Although an anatomic landmark for the cranial border of the flap could not be defined, the sternocostal part of the pectoralis major muscle may potentially be used as a segmental free flap.
Corten
Eveline M L
EM
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands. plastiche-chirurgie@azu.nl
Schellekens
Pascal P A
PP
Bleys
Ronald L A W
RL
Hage
J Joris
JJ
Kon
Moshe
M
D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D010369:Pectoralis Muscles / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply; D013524:Surgical Flaps