The thoracoacromial artery as the lifeboat in recipient artery deficiency in complex chest wall defect reconstruction

Reconstruction of chest wall defects is a complex procedure requiring an accurate understanding of the complete anatomy of the chest wall to deal with challenging defects. This report investigates the use of the thoracoacromial artery and cephalic vein as recipient vessels in a musculocutaneous latissimus dorsi free flap to cover the large chest wall defect resulting from post-radiation necrosis for breast cancer.

A 25-year-old woman with established necrotic osteochondritis of the left side ribs following radiotherapy in breast cancer management was admitted for reconstructing the violated chest wall. The contralateral latissimus dorsi muscle was selected as an alternative to the previously used ipsilateral muscle. The thoracoacromial artery was the only one available as a recipient artery with a successful outcome.

Breast cancer is the most common indication for radiotherapy. Osteoradionecrosis can present months to years after radiation with deep ulcers and major bone destruction with soft tissue necrosis. Large defect reconstruction is sometimes challenging due to lack of recipient artery and vein because of previous unsuccessful interventions. Thoracoacromial artery and its branches can be recommended as a good alternative recipient artery.

The Thoracoacromial artery may aid surgeons in achieving successful anastomoses in difficult thoracic defects.