Irigaray A, Roncagliolo A, Fossati G
Plast Reconstr Surg. 1979 Aug;64(2):259-63. doi: 10.1097/00006534-197908000-00032.
We believe the axillary (lateral thoracic) flap should be one of the free flaps of choice in children, because it has vessels of 1.5 mm or more in diameter--thus making it possible for the donor and recipient vessels to be approximately the same diameters. This makes the suturing easier and helps to ensure a good result. The patency rate increases as the diameter of the vessels to be anastomosed increases. We present a successful case in which this flap was used in an 8-year-old boy.
