The lateral thoracic artery revisited

Abstract

Despite variations in origin of the vessels, our dissections demonstrated that the ultimate tissue distribution of the LTA remained typical in the vast majority of the specimens and descended on the lateral border of the pectoralis minor. Our results illustrate the need for re-evaluation of the branches of the thoracoacromial artery with possible consideration that the LTA arises from it, instead of directly from the axillary artery. We hope that the information supplied by this study will provide useful information to anatomists and surgeons alike.

Tetrafurcation of the subscapular artery. Anatomical and clinical implications

“…Similar cases to ours have been reported by Saeed et al [14], Loukas et al [7] and Olinger and Benninger [11]. According to Loukas et al [7] LTA origin from SSA accounts for only 4% of the cases.…”

“…Characterisation of axillary arterial network is further implicated by significant overlapping of arteries' areas of distribution. Mediumsized atypical branches are often present substituting or even replacing typical branches [7,12].…”

“…According to Loukas et al [7] LTA origin from SSA accounts for only 4% of the cases. Olinger and Benninger [11] calculated incidence of LTA arising from SSA at 4.2% and PCHA arising from SSA at 12%.…”

“…Classic pattern of AA providing 6 separate arterial branches is present in only 27% of the cases. LTA, SSA and PCHA exhibit highest level of variability in their branching pattern and origin but relative stability is their course and area of distribution [7] Olinger and Benninger [11] studied branching pattern of LTA, SSA and PCHA and proposed their definition with respect to their course and distribution rather than their origin. Characterisation of axillary arterial network is further implicated by significant overlapping of arteries' areas of distribution.…”

“…These flaps are used for coverage of medium and large size defects and combine cutaneous, subcutaneous, muscular and even bony elements [9,18]. Their bulkiness and wide angle of rotation make them suitable for coverage of lateral thoracic wall defects, mastectomy restoration and oromandibular defects [7,15,17]. Anatomic research has proven that branches of subscapular arterial tree have a significantly large and stable diameter (4-6 mm for SSA and 3-5 mm for TDA across various studies [3,4,20]) rendering them also appropriate for free flap transfer.…”