The true pectoralis major myocutaneous island flap: an anatomical study.

The pattern of blood supply to the clavicular and sternocostal portions of the pectoralis major muscle was studied in the cadaver with X-rays of injected specimens. The major blood supply to the sternocostal part was derived from the pectoral branch, although in about 50% of cases the clavicular branch provided minor contributions. This finding supports the clinical experience that it is safe to isolate the full length of the vascular pedicle, deep to the clavicular portion of the muscle, in the preparation of a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap.