MICROSURGEON.ORG

atlas of microsurgery techniques and principles

Dorsal thoracic fascia flap

Anatomic considerations

Tissue:
A potentially large and thin fascial flap. Can incorporate the fascial territory over the transverse and descending branches of the circumflex scapular artery. This is the same territory as the scapular and parascapular flap combined. Flap sizes can be up to 20 by 25 centimeters. Just as in the scapular flap, the lateral border of the scapula can be included to provide vascularized bone.
Innervation:
None.
Blood supply:
The circumflex scapular artery and its transverse and descending branches.
Artery:
Large caliber if traced to the subscapular system. From 2 to 4 millimeters.
Vein(s):
Comparable in size to the artery.
Pedicle length:
Three to 7 centimeters can be obtained typically.

The deep fascia of the back over the territory of the scapular and parascapular flaps provides a large potential area for thin tissue made entirely of fascia. The flap is large, thin and well vascularized and the anatomy is consitentent and reliable.

Vascular Anatomy

The transverse and descending branches of the circumflex scapular artery provide the major branches of the pedicle to this flap. The pedicle can be traced into the triangular space and followed to the suscapular artery and its origin at the axillary artery to gain length.

Dorsal Thoracic Fascia Flap Anatomy

Vascular anatomy of the dorsal thoracic fascia. The circumflex scapular artery travels through the triangular space and divides into transverse and descending scapular branches. The dorsal thoracic fascia is supplied by these branches. Either one or both can be used depending on the size and orientation of the flap harvested.

*You have to log in to view the rest of this page. Registration is free.