BACKGROUND: For patients who have extensive prior treatment, use of the internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/IMV) or cephalic vein has been shown to be a reliable option. Additionally, for those patients who require vascularized bone and extensive soft tissue reconstruction, the combined latissimus dorsi scapular free flap (mega-flap) is an excellent option. METHODS: We reviewed 3 cases in which extensive prior surgery and radiation precluded the use of traditional recipient vessels in the neck. RESULTS: Three patients with major jaw deformities were reconstructed using a mega-flap. In all cases, saphenous vein grafting succeeded in achieving arterial inflow from the IMA to the subscapular artery. Venous egress was achieved using a vein graft to the IMV in 1 patient and a transposed cephalic vein in the remaining 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This approach of restoring large oral cavity defects for patients with extensive prior therapy and comorbid conditions has proven to be reliable and reproducible.
BACKGROUND: For patients who have extensive prior treatment, use of the internal mammary artery/vein (IMA/IMV) or cephalic vein has been shown to be a reliable option. Additionally, for those patients who require vascularized bone and extensive soft tissue reconstruction, the combined latissimus dorsi scapular free flap (mega-flap) is an excellent option. METHODS: We reviewed 3 cases in which extensive prior surgery and radiation precluded the use of traditional recipient vessels in the neck. RESULTS: Three patients with major jaw deformities were reconstructed using a mega-flap. In all cases, saphenous vein grafting succeeded in achieving arterial inflow from the IMA to the subscapular artery. Venous egress was achieved using a vein graft to the IMV in 1 patient and a transposed cephalic vein in the remaining 2 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This approach of restoring large oral cavity defects for patients with extensive prior therapy and comorbid conditions has proven to be reliable and reproducible.