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The cephalic vein: an aid in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Report of 12 cases
G R Barnett1, I R Carlisle, M P Gianoutsos
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Preston and Northcote Community Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|January 1, 1996
Abstract:
The harvesting of the cephalic vein is a simple and effective technique for providing or augmenting venous drainage in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. It may be divided distally and rotated about the infraclavicular fossa as a cephalic vein transfer or used as a source of free vein grafts. It is easily harvested with minimal morbidity. Its anatomy, surgical technique, indications, and results of use are discussed. In some circumstances, a cephalic vein transfer may allow greater areas of the free TRAM flap to be used more safely. This is discussed.