[The thoracodorsal artery musculocutaneous perforator flap: anatomic study and clinical significance]

To investigate the feasibility of clinical application of the thoracodorsal artery musculocutaneous perforator flap (TAMPF).

(1) The morphosis and blood supply of TAP flap on 15 formalized adult cadavers(30 sides) were examined by microsurgery anatomy. (2) An imitative operation of the TAMP flap and latissimus dorsi flap on 1 formalized adult cadavers (2 sides) was conducted.

(1) A total of 102 musculocutaneous perforators larger than 0.5 mm were found in 16 specimens(32 sides). 56 perforators (55%) were originated from the medial branch and 46 (45%) originated from the lateral branch. The biggest perforator is (0.82 +/- 0.11) mm (0.68 - 1.08 mm). There was an average of 1.9 perforators (range, 1 - 3 perforators) of the medial branch and an average of 1.8 perforators (range, 1 - 3 perforators) of the lateral branch. Additionally, there were 24 perforators samller than 0.5 mm, and 76 perforators originated from intercostal artery and lumbar artery. (2) Musculocutaneous perforators over 0.5 mm were found only in proximity of the medial and lateral branches within a distance of 8.5 cm (6.4 cm - 9.2 cm) distal to the neurovascular hilus.

With the characteristics of constant position, large caliber, long pedicle, the thoracodorsal artery musculocutaneous perforator was suitable to be musclocutaneous perforator flaps and "fan-shaped" flaps.