Immediate autologous breast reconstruction using muscle-sparing TRAM flaps with superficial epigastric system turbocharging: a salvage option

Current breast reconstruction trends favor the use of muscle-sparing abdominal flaps to minimize abdominal morbidity. When compared to the transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, the muscle-sparing deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap and the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap are common options that minimize donor-site morbidity. For patients with inadequate flap perfusion via either system, alternative surgical options that permit preservation of the abdominal musculature are limited. Using both the DIEP and SIEA systems, the authors describe a turbocharged construct that also facilitates flap perfusion without the need for violation of the anterior rectus sheath. This turbocharged system can provide adequate blood supply in a flap with questionable DIEP or SIEA perfusion alone.