Episode 2: Blood Vessels in Breast Reconstruction

<p><a href="https://eliteplasticsurgeryaz.com/dr-tim-matatov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Tim Matatov, MD</a>, a plastic surgeon trained in microsurgery, takes us on a "DIEP-dive" of the blood vessels used in <a href= "https://diepcjourney.com/i-had-deip-flap-do-you-know-what-that-is/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">breast reconstruction</a>. Blood flow and finding optimal veins and arteries in both the breast and donor site flap/tissue determines the outcome of any type of breast reconstruction but particularly autologous reconstruction which uses the patient's own tissue. </p> <p><a href= "https://eliteplasticsurgeryaz.com/procedures/breast/breast-reconstruction-phoenix-az/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This tissue, referred to as the flap or donor site</a>, can include areas of the body like the inner thighs, back of the buttocks, but the most common donor site is the abdominal area called DIEP flap, deep inferior epigastric perforators. It is often referred to as the gold standard in autologous breast reconstruction.</p> <p>We begin with assessment of the blood vessels at a consult. Dr. Matatov explains the various branches of blood vessels harvested for autologous reconstruction and completes the conversation by describing how the tissue is transferred along with the blood vessels to the breast area.</p>