title: [Anatomic study on internal mammary artery perforator flap].
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
authors: Yun
authors: Y
authors: Feng
authors: Wen-ting
authors: WT
authors: Li
authors: Ping-zhang
authors: PZ
authors: Tang
authors: Zhen-gang
authors: ZG
authors: Xu
authors: Bin
authors: B
authors: Zhang
authors: Nai-li
authors: NL
authors: Wang
mesh_terms: 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