VASCULAR STUDY OF THE LATERAL THORACIC SKIN FLAP / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

The origin, pattern, caliber, projection on the body surface and anastomoses of the cutaneous arteries within the lateral thoracic flap have been studied in 33 cases (sides): adults- 30 cases, children- 3 cases. The chief results are as follows:1. Four types of cutaneous arterial supply within this flap be divided according to the number of branches: one branched type(51.51%?8.70), two branched type(27.27%?7.75), three branched type(15.15%?6.24), four branched type(6.06%?4.15).2. Lateral thoracic cutaneous arteries may arise from one to four of the brachial, lateral thoracic, axillary, dorsal thoracic, subscapular or thoraco-acromial arteries. The caliber of their origin varies between 1.23～1.75mm. The thoracoepigastric vein which drains blood into the lateral thoracic vein may be regarded as the main cutaneous vein in the flap area. The caliber of its end is 3.35?0.42 mm. This vein provided with valves.3. There are plenty of cutaneous arterial anastomoses within the lateral thoracic flap. In the radiograph the networks of blood vessels may be seen among the branches of the cutaneous arteries. These networks are distributed over the whole flap.4. The blood vessels of the lateral thoracic flap and its application have been discussed and the position of skin incisions and landmark of the cutaneous arteries been proposed in the article.