Introduction The superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap relies on its namesake vessels to perfuse the ipsilateral abdomen skin and fat, generally for autologous breast reconstruction. This type A fasciocutaneous flap was described in 1971 for head and neck reconstruction…
Introduction Breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap has become the gold standard for autologous breast reconstruction for most plastic surgeons. The principle benefit of the DIEP flap compared to other flaps is that the abdomen is…
Introduction Abdominally based reconstructions have been utilized for the last 40 years. In 1979, Holstrom used tissue normally discarded from abdominoplasty as a free flap for breast reconstruction. In 1982, Hartrampf described and popularized the pedicled TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis…
Introduction Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) breast reconstruction has been performed in patients for nearly four decades now. Many technical modifications have developed since Dr. Hartrampf's first operation, and these strategies have improved our ability to offer this operation…