The internal mammary artery origin flap aortoplasty in coarctation of the aorta.

The left internal mammary artery (IMA) was divided proximally to form an integral part of the repair in coarctation. After resection of the internal coarctation ridge, the origin of the IMA was obliquely divided, opened to required length and thus fashioned as a widening flap for aortoplasty. This procedure preserves distal continuity of the IMA with direct blood supply to the breast. The 'origin flap' aortoplasty gave promising early results in six patients and 10-17 years with aortic coarctation and IMA of suitable calibre and good quality.