Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 11, 2026

An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Pre-expanded Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap
Yalcin Kulahci1, Cihan Sahin2, Huseyin Karagoz2
1Department of Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, General Dr Tevfik Saglam Cad, Etlik 06010, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
The size of the thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap or pedicle, in general, may be found to be inadequate. Pre-expansion of the flap before harvest can be a solution to increase the size of the TDAP flap in such instances. The pre-expanded TDAP flap can be used to reconstruct large-sized defects with the advantage of primary closure of the donor site. This article presents details on the surgical technique and provides discussion of the authors' experiences.

