[Anatomic study on internal mammary artery perforator flap].
OBJECTIVE
To study the anatomy of internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap.


METHODS
Five fresh cadavers were used, the morphology and blood supply of IMAP flap were examined by the method of microsurgical anatomy. During dissections, following parameters were recorded: number, type and diameter of perforators vessels, course (infra fascia and supra fascia) and location of perforators vessels.


RESULTS
All 1st-4th IMAPs were found in 10 specimen. Average diameter of 1st-4th IMAP artery/vein was as follows (x +/- s): (1.29 +/- 0.28) mm, (1.46 +/- 0.22) mm; (1.1 +/- 0.27) mm, (1.41 +/- 0.39) mm; (0.87 +/- 0.23) mm, (1.17 +/- 0.15) mm; (0.92 +/- 0.22) mm, (1.12 +/- 0.14) mm. The largest perforator was mostly first or second IMAP. The angiosomal territory of IMAPs extended from the clavicle superiorly to the xiphisternum inferiorly, from the midline medially to anterior axillary fold laterally.


CONCLUSIONS
IMAP flap offers an option in reconstruction of head neck defects and should be considered as an alternative to the deltopectoral flap and pectoralis major flap in some patients.
Feng
Yun
Y
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
Li
Wen-ting
WT
Tang
Ping-zhang
PZ
Xu
Zhen-gang
ZG
Zhang
Bin
B
Wang
Nai-li
NL
D000328:Adult; D000718:Anatomy, Regional; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D013909:Thorax / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply