Infraclavicular free flap for head and neck reconstruction: Surgical description and early outcomes in 7 consecutive patients

Abstract

ICFF demonstrated similar outcomes compared to conventional fasciocutaneous free flaps. This flap has the potential for common application given its consistent anatomy and donor site advantages.

The infraclavicular pedicled flap in head and neck reconstruction: applications and outcomes

“…4 Accordingly, our study did not show a difference in the risk of complications related to whether or not the patient had preoperative radiation (P = .202). First, this area is devoid of significant neurovascular structures that could be injured.…”

“…Due to the contiguous anatomical relationship between the infraclavicular zone and the ablative site, the color match is usually suitable. 4 In addition, we have found that the infraclavicular perforator is seldom injured during neck dissection. Upper thoracic deformation with loss of pectoralis muscle contour is also avoided (Figure 4).…”

“…3 The perforator originates deep to the platysma, before crossing it to become superficial to the inferior prolongation of the platysma, known as the pectoral fascia. 3,5,8,9 2.3 | Flap harvest All the ICPFs were raised according the technical description published by Yoo et al in 2015 and2016. It descends inferolaterally and follows a direction parallel to the deltopectoral groove.…”

“…The refinement of the anatomical description of the branches of the thyrocervical trunk has clarified the presence and consistency of various arteries that vascularize the clavicular region. 4 These authors described the surgical technique for harvesting the infraclavicular pedicled flap (ICPF). 1,3 While some groups have shown interest in the tissue in the infraclavicular region for reconstructive purposes, very few applications of infraclavicular flaps appear in the literature.…”

Pedicled adipofascial infraclavicular flap: Elevation technique and its use for maintaining neck contour and vessel coverage after radical and modified radical neck dissection

“…To date, there is no consensus regarding the correct nomenclature for this vessel. Some investigators termed it the anterior supraclavicular artery perforator, whereas others have named it the “thoracal branch,” “cervico‐pectoral branch,” or the “anterior supraclavicular vessel.” For consistency and clarity, we have used the term “anterior perforator” and the term “infraclavicular flap” to distinguish it from “supraclavicular” flaps harvested from areas above the clavicle based on the supraclavicular artery.…”