Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Procurement and Perfusion-Decellularization of Porcine Vascularized Flaps in a Customized Perfusion Bioreactor
Published on: August 1, 2022
A Forearm Free Flap Based on a Persistent Median Artery
Ben S Rhee1, Joseph T Tarr1, Evan Rothchild1
1Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Northwell Health, Queens, New York, USA.
Background:
The median artery is an embryonic structure that usually regresses during embryonic development as the ulnar and radial arteries form but may persist into one's lifetime. Its discovery during the raising of radial forearm free flaps (RFFF) has been reported; however, there is little describing its utilization as a forearm flap pedicle.
Methods:
A 69-year-old woman with a history of oral cavity cancer resection and osteocutaneous fibula free flap reconstruction presented with complaints of drooling. An RFFF was planned to provide soft tissue bulk and restore oral competence.
Results:
We present a novel case of an RFFF harvested with a pedicle based on a persistent median artery (PMA) that pierced a bifid median nerve. The flap remained viable with no deficits in upper extremity sensation or motor function.
Conclusions:
Given the potentially rising prevalence of PMAs in the past century, surgeons must be able to identify this anatomic variant.
More Related Videos
07:30Creating Radio-cephalic Arteriovenous Fistula in the Forearm with a Modified No-Touch Technique
Published on: April 1, 2022
10:36Vascularized Composite Hand Allograft Procurement and Preparation for Distal and Proximal Forearm Allotransplantation: A Stepwise Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:12Arteries of the Upper Limbs
01:16Muscles of the Forearm that Move the Hand and Fingers
Anterior Compartment
The anterior compartment muscles originate from the humerus. They primarily function as flexors and are also known as flexor muscles. They typically insert on the carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges. The superficial layer includes the flexor carpi...
01:16Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
01:20Arteries of Lower Limbs
01:22Spinal Nerves: Plexus I
The Cervical Plexus
The cervical plexus, formed by the anterior rami of the first four...
01:17Veins of Upper Limbs
The deep venous system is primarily composed of the ulnar and radial veins. The ulnar vein, which drains the fingers through the superficial palmar venous arches, and the radial vein, which serves the palms via the deep palmar...