[Qualitative observation and quantitative survey on the vasculature of the lateral thoracic region].

Since 1988, we had studied blood vessels on the lateral thoracic region in 21 patients using ultrasound Doppler flowmeter preoperatively, collaborating with operative observation, to measure the length, caliber and rate of existence of 3 main vascular systems. Our study attempted both to ascertain various regular patterns of vasculature, and to provide anatomical data for the choice of proper sites of pedicles of lateral thoracic flap. Our findings showed that the subscapular-thoracodorsal vascular system was the most constant among the 3 systems. Its average length was 15.43 +/- 0.504 cm, average diameter at its origin was 1.58 +/- 0.122 mm. The thoracoepigastric vein as a venous return system could be chosen first. We concluded that this method was a handy, practical and dependable way to determine the vascularity of lateral thoracic flaps.