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Unilateral Internal Mammary Recipient Vessels for Bilateral DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction
Jeffrey H Lee1, David E Varon1, Eric G Halvorson1
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|July 26, 2017
Summary
This study presents a new surgical technique for bilateral breast reconstruction using a single set of internal mammary vessels. This method addresses challenges with inadequate recipient vessels and preserves options for patients needing future cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Breast Reconstruction
Background:
- Deep inferior epigastric perforator flaps are common for breast reconstruction.
- Internal mammary vessels are typical recipient sites, but can be inadequate.
- Using internal mammary vessels may compromise future coronary artery bypass grafting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel technique for bilateral free flap breast reconstruction using unilateral internal mammary vessels.
- To present cases illustrating the technique's utility in specific clinical scenarios.
Main Methods:
- A novel surgical technique utilizing unilateral internal mammary artery and vein for bilateral deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction was developed.
- Two distinct patient cases were presented to demonstrate the technique's application.
Main Results:
- The technique successfully enabled bilateral breast reconstruction in two patients.
- Indications included absent/inadequate unilateral recipient vessels and the need to preserve the contralateral internal mammary system for cardiac surgery.
Conclusions:
- Unilateral internal mammary vessels can be effectively used for bilateral free flap breast reconstruction.
- This technique offers a valuable alternative when recipient vessels are compromised or for cardiac risk mitigation.
