Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the vasculature in the integument of the lateral thoracic wall, and provide anatomical guide for harvesting flap at this area.　Methods　10 fresh cadavers with the vascular system injected with the lead oxide-gelatin mix were subjected to spiral CT scan, with the data obtained then imported into Mimics 13 for 3-dimentional reconstruction for the vasculature of the lateral thoracic wall. And then cadavers were dissected to explore the perforators of the lateral thoracic wall, followed with the parameters measurement, such as the caliber and suprafascial length etcd, in addition, the trunk integument of two cadavers was peeled off for X-ray radiography.　Result　The lateral perforators at the 3th and 4th intercostal spaces were small in diameter, or even absent. The integument of this region was supplied by perforators emitted from the circumflex scapular artery, the lateral thoracic artery and the thoracodorsal artery. In 10 cadavers, a total of 109 musculocutaneous perforators were explored. 1 dominant perforator could be found in 18 sides, with the diameter of about (0.9±0.3)mm. In 5 cadavers, communication existed between the dominant perforator and the branch from the anterior serratus artery.   Conclusions　①large extended thoracodorsal artery flap can be harvested at the upper lateral thoracic wall; ② Constant lateral perforators were given off from the 5th to 8th intercostal artery, constituting the anatomical basis for harvest perforator flap at the lateral thoracic wall for defects resurfacing of the trunk. 

Key words: Lateral thoracic wall, Intercostal artery, Perforator flap, Anatomy