Anatomical study and new design of lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap

Objective. To validate a new design of lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap for closure of defects in the upper-lateral, lower-lateral and lower-medial quadrants of the breast. Material and methods. After anatomical dissection of cadaveric material, we studied anatomical bases of LICAP flap and formed a new LICAP flap design. Considering MRI data, we analyzed topography of perforator vessels of lateral intercostal artery and vein, their anatomical stability and constancy. Reconstructive surgeries using the developed flap design were introduced into practice with favorable functional and aesthetic results. Results. The LICAP flap has anatomically permanent vascular pedicle. The newly proposed flap design is able to close lateral breast defects with scar in inframammary fold.