Clinical application and outcome of the internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) free flap for soft tissue reconstructions of the upper head and neck region in three patients.
BACKGROUND
The fasciocutaneous internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) island flap allows for superior esthetical and functional skin cover in the head and neck region in combination with limited donor site morbidity. Its modification as a free flap allows reconstruction of more cranial defects.


METHODS
Three IMAP free flaps varying from 7 × 4 cm² to 10 × 6 cm² were transplanted in three patients with a mean age of 59 years (range, 54-69 years). Enhancement of the flap's vascular pedicle at least doubles the diameter of the internal mammary vessels to be anastomosed.


RESULTS
Coverage with excellent texture and color match was uneventfully obtained and the flaps' donor sites were primarily closed in all three cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Our experience proves the consistent feasibility of successful transplantation of the IMAP free flap. Because of its characteristics, we suggest contemplating the use of this flap in the upper head and neck region.
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Pascal P A
PP
Schellekens
J Joris
JJ
Hage
Emma C
EC
Paes
Moshe
M
Kon
D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000601:surgery; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D002610:Cheek; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000473:pathology; D004428:Ear Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*