An anatomical variation of the thoracodorsal artery with comments on flaps based on the axillary artery

A rare variation of the axillary artery is presented. On routine anatomical dissection in one male cadaver the thoracodorsal artery was found to originate from the acromiothoracic artery independently from the circumflex scapular artery. Numerous flaps based on the branches of the axillary artery have been described. As a result of this case, and a review of the literature to gain further knowledge of anatomical variations, it is advised that preoperative angiography is indicated prior to utilizing flaps from this area.