Rerouting the internal thoracic pedicle: a novel solution for maxillofacial reconstruction in vessel-depleted situations? A preliminary anatomic study
Résumé
Microsurgical reconstruction in a vessel-depleted neck is a challenge due to the lack of reliable vessels in or nearby the host site. The use of the internal thoracic pedicle (ITP) by rib section or sparring is a limited option due to the small length of the pedicle of some flaps. However, in cardiac surgery, the internal thoracic artery (ITA) is widely used for myocardial revascularization, providing a long and versatile pedicle. We aimed at determining precise anatomical bases for the use of the ITP, approached by sternotomy and rerouted in the neck, as recipient vessels for free-flap facial reconstructions.