Internal mammary artery perforator flap for head and neck reconstruction

Background: The internal mammary artery perforator (IMAP) flap is a useful modification of the classic deltopectoral flap that has a number of important roles in head and neck reconstruction.

Methods and results: In this report, we describe the technique used to plan and raise the flap and demonstrate its use in three different clinical scenarios.

Results and conclusions: The IMAP flap is a pedicled fasciocutaneous flap that is based on single or multiple internal mammary artery perforators. As such, it provides thin pliable tissue with a wide arc of rotation that is suitable for cutaneous, pharyngeal and tracheostomal reconstruction. Moreover, the flap is well-vascularised, reliable and the donor site can be closed primarily.