Anastomosis of the Superficial Inferior Epigastric Vein to the Internal Mammary Vein to Augment Deep Inferior Artery Perforator Flaps

Use of the retrograde limb of the internal mammary vein has been described previously as a lifeboat for venous congestion but not prophylactically. Maximizing the length of the deep inferior artery perforator (DIEP) flap pedicle, identifying and dissecting the superficial inferior epigastric vein proximally in every patient, and taking advantage of the retrograde internal mammary vein are all technical details that facilitate the additional venous anastomosis and flap inset. Performing a second venous anastomosis routinely using the superficial inferior epigastric vein to the retrograde internal mammary vein helps with flap inset.