Anatomical study of the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery summary

introduced since a long time the concept of perforator flaps. These perforator flaps have greatly benefited from advances in microsurgery. Numerous arteries have already been used for the surgery of perforator flaps, including the thoracoacromial artery. This small artery is traditionally described with 4 terminal branches; however, the deltoid and pectoral branches are the most voluminous, with a clavicular branch of variable origin, and an acromial branch which most often arises from the deltoid branch. We propose to study anatomically the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery, in terms of constancy, dimensions and direction, in order to give to practitioners an additional option in the surgery of perforating flaps of the cervical region. Material and methods: We carried out a direct and selective injection of 24 thoracoacromial arteries, on corpses preserved in a low-formalin solution rich in glycerin. The injected solution was made from a mixture of methylene blue and gelatin. Cadaveric dissection was then used to study the location, frequency, and path of the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery. Results: The acromial branch was absent in more than half of the dissections. The length of its extrafascial pedicle varied between 0.5 and 2cm. The length of the pedicle after transmuscular dissection varied between 3 and 6cm. And the general direction of this acromial branch was ascending and lateral. Conclusion: Our preliminary work shows that the acromial branch of the thoracoacromial artery most often has an oblique, cranial and lateral direction. Its length is smaller than that of the deltoid and pectoral branches, and it can measure up to 6cm long. It goes and ends at the coracoid process and the acromion by giving few collateral branches along its path. Its cutaneous vascular territory is located towards the cranial area of the stump of the shoulder.