ABSTRACT
This article describes a pedicle-lengthening procedure (the Y-V-I principle) that
reverts a Y-shaped vascular structure into an I-shaped vascular structure, and its
application to the latissimus dorsi muscle. If the Y-shaped vascular structure is
divided proximal to the branching point and ligated, it becomes a V-shaped vascular
structure. To obtain a linear I-shaped vascular structure, the V is opened, and the
length of the vascular pedicle will become equal to the combined length of both limbs
of the V. This report indicates that the latissimus dorsi flap may be transferred
based on the circumflex scapular artery or the serratus branch.
KEYWORDS
Latissimus dorsi muscle - pedicle-lengthening-flap
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Ahmet KaracalarM.D.
Ondokuz Mayis Üniversitesi, Tip Fakültesi
Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi A.D. Samsun
55139, Turkey
