Cutaneous resurfacing around a permanent tracheostoma with an internal mammary artery perforator flap.

ABSTRACT

When soft tissue reconstruction near a permanent tracheostoma is needed, transfer of a thin and pliable flap is preferable in order to avoid occlusion of the newly created tracheostomal opening. Although microsurgical fasciocutaneous flap transfer may be desirable for such reconstruction, it is not always an option due to lack of recipient vessels for vascular anastomosis or a patient's poor medical condition that would prohibit a lengthy procedure. An alternative option is the internal mammary artery perforator flap, which is easy to elevate, has a long arc of rotation, and has a reliable blood supply. Here, we report three cases of cutaneous resurfacing around a permanent tracheostoma with an internal mammary artery perforator flap.