A group of illustrations was created for Healthline Networks, Inc. to describe the differences between two major types of breast reconstructive surgeries for a consumer health population. The DIEP and TRAM Flap surgical procedures were examined and the illustrations focused on anatomical accuracy for the overall structures and blood supply to the flaps used to reconstruct the breast after a mastectomy.
The locator image depicts the mastectomy site and abdominal incision site for tissue removal during breast reconstructive surgery.During DIEP flap surgery, a flap of only skin and fat from the abdominal area is removed completely and used to reconstruct the breast mound. The internal mammary artery and vein are anastomosed to the cut blood vessels in the flap to supply the removed tissue.In TRAM free flap surgery, the flap consists of skin, fat, and muscle from the abdominal area. It is completely removed and used to reconstruct the breast mound. The internal mammary artery and vein are anastomosed to the cut blood vessels in the flap to supply the removed tissue.For TRAM pedicle flap surgeries, the flap to reconstruct the breast mound is not completely removed and remains connected to the abdomen. The flap consists of skin, fat, and muscle from the abdominal area and the original blood vessels that supply the tissue are maintained.
