A Free TRAM flap means that the blood supply is separated from its original location (the donor site) and lifted clear or "free" of the body and transplanted to the recipient site. The entire blood supply typically depends on 1 artery and 1 vein. If anything happens to these the blood supply... more
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Free TRAM flap vs. pedicled TRAM flap
What is the difference between the free TRAM flap surgery and the pedicled TRAM flap surgery for breast reconstruction?
4 answers to “Free TRAM flap vs. pedicled TRAM flap”
A: The difference is how the blood flow is maintained to the flap
The free TRAM flap is separated from the body temporarily (hence "free") and its blood vessels are re-attached to blood vessels in the chest or armpit to keep it alive. The pedicled TRAM flap derives its blood flow from the upper part of the rectus muscle and is never separated from the body. It is tunneled... more
A: Difference between a Free TRAM flap and Pedicled TRAM flap
A TRAM flap is a "Transverse Rectus Abdominus Muscle" flap that utilizes the abdominal muscle and fat to reconstruct the breast. Very simply, a pedicled TRAM flap uses the rectus muscle and abdominal flap to reconstruct the breast, via an intact and uncut artery in the upper abdomen. A free... more
A: Free TRAM vs. Pedicled TRAM
A pedicled TRAM flap is developed from the lower abdomen. It recruits the skin, subcutaneous fat and usually one rectus muscle and rotates it into the chest to recronstruct the breast. This is a pedicled or attached muscle along with its superiorly based blood supply. You have to detach its main... more
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