Pre-expanded Brachial Artery Perforator Flap

Abstract

The medial upper arm flap is a time-honored yet ignored technique. It may be revitalized by combining the techniques of tissue expansion and perforator flap surgery. Pre-expansion increases flap dimension, remodels flap vasculature, and reduces donor site morbidities, making the medial arm flap a more effective option for various defect reconstructions. A pre-expanded brachial artery perforator flap achieves excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in patients with soft tissue defects on the head and neck, axilla, chest wall, and upper extremity. Although this technique requires multiple procedures, each operation is relatively simple and has a low complication rate when properly performed.

Keywords: Brachial artery; Perforator flap; Septocutaneous perforator; Tissue expansion; Upper arm flap.