Superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap: A novel approach to autologous breast reconstruction. Issue 4 (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kundu, Neilendu; Chopra, Karan; Morales, Robert; Djohan, Risal; Chung, Thomas; Gastman, Brian R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery. Volume 68:Issue 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 519
• Page End: 524
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 617.9505
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2014.12.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-6815

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="abs0010"> <title id="sectitle0010">Summary</title> <sec> <title id="sectitle0015">Background</title> <p id="abspara0010">Although free tissue breast reconstruction has been increasingly used, it remains challenging to perform outside of specialized centers due to facility and personnel limitations. We describe a preclinical study highlighting the feasibility of a pedicled, superior epigastric artery perforator (SEAP) flap utilizing lower abdominal tissues similar to a transverse rectus abdominus myocutaneous (TRAM) reconstruction, but with decreased donor-site morbidity.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0020">Methods</title> <p id="abspara0015">Fresh cadavers were dissected generating a total of 32 SEAP flaps. These flaps were subsequently studied for transposition potential and vascularity utilizing computed tomographic (CT) imaging.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0025">Results</title> <p id="abspara0020">An obvious, single, dominant SEAP was appreciated, and a developed flap was routinely capable of reaching either nipple–areola complex with simple interposition. Cadaveric CT imaging revealed global contrast filling in each dissected hemi-abdomen tested.</p> </sec> <sec> <title id="sectitle0030">Conclusions</title> <p id="abspara0025">We describe a preclinical study utilizing a novel pedicled, SEAP flap for aesthetic breast reconstruction. While this will not obviate the use of free tissue transfer, it may add to the surgical armamentarium for aesthetic restoration in the breast cancer patient.</p> </sec> </abstract>