Partial Medial Rectus (PMR) Flap
The pmr Flap
A partial muscle flap, it is constructed from a medial segment of rectus muscle, with size variation as needed for the reconstruction. The lateral segment of rectus is left in continuity and intact. The pedicle can be very long, making it very versatile for small defects when a long large caliber pedicle is desired.
Innervation: Not a functional muscle..
Blood supply: The deep inferior epigastric artery and venae originating on the external iliac vessels just above the inguinal ligament.
Artery: Large caliber artery from 2 to 4 millimeters.
Vein(s): The venae are typically paired, common to a common vessel at their draining point on the external iliac. One vein is usually larger and comparable in caliber to the artery.
Pedicle length: Up to 15 centimeters can be obtained easily.
Anatomy
The partial medial rectus flap provides a small- or medium-sized muscle with blood supply provided by branches of the deep inferior epigastric artery and it's venae. For a long pedicle, the deep inferior epigastric artery can be dissected to the origin on the external iliac artery. Although flap design is straightforward, intramuscular dissection is necessary, similar to the technique required when tracing perforator vessels through a muscle, such as in the DIEP or intramuscular ALT flap. Only a portion of the rectus is taken, and the lateral muscle is left in continuity, leaving functional muscle behind to aid in abdominal wall strength.
The flap is fabricated using a portion of the medial rectus muscle
The Operative Procedure
A transverse lower abdominal incision is used, keeping the scar in the suprapubic crease. This provides for a more aesthetic donor site outcome and avoids the vertical highly visible scar.
A transverse lower abdominal incision is used
The abdominal wall is elevated superficial to the rectus fascia, like an abdominoplasty. Peforators are ligated or coagulated and the rectus fascia is exposed where the muscle harvest is to be performed. If a longer pedicle is desired, the muscle can be harvested higher up, in which case the stalk of the umbilicus can be transected and then re-attached at time of closure.
The lower abdominal wall is elevated superficial to the rectus fascia
A vertical incision is made in the rectus fascia over the central or medial muscle. The deep inferior epigastric vessels can be visualized if desired, but we do not usually dissect laterally superfical to muscle.
The medial rectus muscle is exposed
An area is outlined with a marking pen, depending on the size of muscle necessary in the recipient area. Remember that the muscle will contract when transected and get wider.
The flap area is oultined
A split is made in the rectus muscle longitudinally, sparing transverse vascular branches. A large transverse vessel is found, or the deep inferior epigastric artery may be right below or medial. The flap may be redesigned superiorly or inferiorly if the nourishing branch is high or low.
The vascular pedicle to the flap is found
After the vascular branches are found, the superior and inferior part of the flap are transected. We usually perform this with the bipolar electrocautery.
The superior and inferior flap are transected.
The pedicle of the flap is then traced as long as needed. We picture it here below passed laterally under the muscle. It does not need to be passed laterally.
The flap is isolated
Suction drains are placed and the wound is closed in layers. If desired, a mini-abdominoplasty can be performed and the resected skin can be used for the skin graft.