The anatomy of the thoracodorsal artery in perforator flap for resurfacing shallow defect.

To systematically determine the location and number of cutaneous perforators greater than 0. 5 mm in diameter of the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap for resurfacing shallow defect.Sixty dissections of the thoracodorsal arterial system were carried out in 30 preserved cadavers. The location and number of cutaneous perforators greater than 0.5 mm in diameter of the lateral branch of the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap were studied and measured.Seventy-six perforators were found in 60 flaps (1.3 perforators per flap). The first perforator was exited in all dissections. It emerged from the latissimus dorsi muscle 9.8 cm below the dome of the axilla. In 21.67% of the cases, the second perforator of the thoracodorsal artery arose 3.4 cm distal to the origin of the first perforator The third perforator was found in 5% of dissections, and originated 3.0 cm away from the origin of the second perforator In addition, most perforators penetrated the muscle within 7.0-14. 0 cm below the dome of the axilla.The center of the flap designed should be placed between 7 to 14 cm from the dome of the axilla.