The superior epigastric(RECTUS ABDOMINIS) muscle perforator flap.

The concept of the muscle perforator flap has been proven valid repeatedly, now including the territories of almost all known musculocutaneous flap donor sites. It is well known that the rectus abdominis muscle has a dual vascular supply from 2 dominant source vessels. Yet only the deep inferior epigastric vessels have been used for a relatively long time to supply the well-known DIEP muscle perforator flap. Logically, as previously predicted in this journal, a muscle perforator flap utilizing the cephalic pedicle to the rectus abdominis muscle should also be possible. This prophecy has now become a reality in this first report where a superior epigastric(RECTUS ABDOMINIS) muscle perforator flap was used successfully as a local flap to close a chest defect.