The deep pectoral muscle flap in the cat: its vascular supply and potential use

The vascular anatomy of the deep pectoral muscle in the cat was defined by contrast radiography of twelve deep pectoral muscles from six feline cadave rs. The deep pectoral, muscle in the cat was found to have a type V vascula r pattern with a dominant pedicle based on the lateral thoracic artery, wit h a contribution from the external thoracic artery, and secondary segmental pedicles arising from the internal thoracic artery, with numerous anastomo ses between these two vascular fields. Following division of the sternal or igin and elevation of the muscle flap, perfusion of the entire muscle from the dominant pedicle was identified. Transposition of the muscle flap withi n a wide are of rotation was possible to include the chest wall, sternum, a xilla and medial forelimb. This study demonstrates the potential suitabilit y of the deep pectoral muscle flap for use in reconstructive surgery.