Efficacy of the Posterior Accessory Saphenous Vein as a Vein Graft in Breast Reconstruction Using Profunda Artery Perforator Flap

Abstract

Summary:. The profunda artery perforator (PAP) flap, commonly used for small- to medium-sized breast reconstructions, offers easy harvest and inconspicuous donor-site scars. However, its shorter vascular pedicle compared with the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap limits its reach to lateral recipient vessels. This often requires strategic placement of perforators at the flap’s edge to extend reach, potentially causing congestion in the distal part of the flap. To address these challenges, using the posterior accessory saphenous vein (pASV) has proven effective. Using the pASV as a vein graft significantly extends the pedicle length of the PAP flap, enhancing anastomosis success with recipient vessels. Additionally, in cases of flap congestion, the proximal segment of the pASV can be used as an additional venous outflow pathway, while grafting the distal segment further extends its length. This dual approach improves overall flap viability and reduces venous congestion risks. This discussion highlights two cases demonstrating the innovative use of the pASV within the PAP flap. In case 1, the pASV extended the pedicle length, enhancing the flap’s placement flexibility and facilitating anastomosis with thoracodorsal vessels. In case 2, the pASV served as a secondary venous outflow pathway, with the distal segment grafted to extend the proximal portion. This adaptation provided additional venous drainage and effectively managed positioning constraints imposed by recipient vessel locations. These examples illustrate the significant benefits of utilizing the pASV in PAP flap breast reconstructions, offering a novel strategy to improve viability and expand its use in complex scenarios requiring extended vascular reach.