The Preferential Use of Subcutaneous Arteries (SCIA-SB and SIEA) in Abdominal-based Autologous Breast Reconstruction With a Modified Flap Design

Dear Sir, With great interest we have read the article “The Preferential Use of Subcutaneous Arteries (SCIA-SB and SIEA) in Abdominal-based Autologous Breast Reconstruction with a Modified Flap Design” by Franchi et al.1 We acknowledge the authors for their important contribution expanding the evidence that the use of the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery is a valuable option for abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction. Just before their publication, our experience on the use of the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery got published in the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.2 We understand that, due to the similar timing of the publication, it was no longer possible to implement our work. In our work, we already introduced the superficial branch of the superficial circumflex iliac artery for abdominal-based breast reconstruction. We believe one of the key advantages of the flap is that the vessel has been observed to be present in 100% of cases.3 Here, we would like to highlight the anatomical study by Fernandez-Garido et al,3 which confirmed these findings. However, it is important to note that this does not mean that the vessel is suitable for reconstruction in all patients, particularly in cases where factors such as an insufficient diameter may be limiting. We agree with the authors on the indecisive use of terminology concerning perforator flaps based on branches of the superficial inferior epigastric artery and, especially, the superficial circumflex iliac artery. This is exactly the reason why we have already introduced the term superficial circumflex iliac artery superficial branch perforator (SCISP), defining a flap based solely on perforators of the superficial branch of the superficial circumstance iliac artery. To increase precision while maintaining simplicity, we have added an “S” to the already established abbreviation SCIP, resulting in the term SCISP. Hence, SCISP should immediately clarify that the flap refers to the SCIP flap, however, more precisely named, as it indicates that the perforator of the superficial branch is used. To maintain consistency, we encourage the use of the SCISP terminology. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.