The cephalic vein: an aid in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. Report of 12 cases.

The harvesting of the cephalic vein is a simple and effective technique for providing or augmenting venous drainage in free TRAM flap breast reconstruction. It may be divided distally and rotated about the infraclavicular fossa as a cephalic vein transfer or used as a source of free vein grafts. It is easily harvested with minimal morbidity. Its anatomy, surgical technique, indications, and results of use are discussed. In some circumstances, a cephalic vein transfer may allow greater areas of the free TRAM flap to be used more safely. This is discussed.