The Anatomy of the Thoracodorsal Artery in Perforator Flap for Resurfacing Shallow Defect
Tanvaa Tansatit MD*, Prayuth Chokrungvaranont MD**, Samang Wanidchaphloi MSc*, Pasinee Sanguansit MSc*
Affiliation : * Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University ** Unit of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Chulalongkorn University
Objective : To systematically determine the location and number of cutaneous perforators greater than 0.5 mm
in diameter of the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for resurfacing shallow defect.
Materials and Methods : Sixty dissections of the thoracodorsal arterial system were carried out in 30 preserved
cadavers. The location and number of cutaneous perforators greater than 0.5 mm in diameter of the lateral
branch of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap were studied and measured.
Results : Seventy-six perforators were found in 60 flaps (1.3 perforators per flap). The first perforator was
exited in all dissections. It emerged from the latissimus dorsi muscle 9.8 cm below the dome of the axilla. In
21.67% of the cases, the second perforator of the thoracodorsal artery arose 3.4 cm distal to the origin of the
first perforator. The third perforator was found in 5% of dissections, and originated 3.0 cm away from the
origin of the second perforator. In addition, most perforators penetrated the muscle within 7.0-14.0 cm below
the dome of the axilla.
Conclusion : The center of the flap designed should be placed between 7 to 14 cm from the dome of the axilla.
Keywords : Thoracodorsal artery, Perforator flap, Resurfacing shallow defect
