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New aspects of the topographical anatomy of the mammary gland regarding its neurovascular supply along a regular ligamentous suspension.

The exact location of the main nerves and vessels to the breast and the nipple-areola complex has always been obscure. We found that the course of the rich neurovascular supply to the nipple runs along a regularly-located, suspensory apparatus and can therefore be predicted exactly. It consists of a horizontal fibrous septum originating at the pectoral fascia along the 5th rib, merging into vertical ligaments along the sternum medially and along the lateral border of pectoralis minor laterally. Cranially, and in an anterior direction, the vertical ligaments are connected by the superficial fascia. In the current anatomical study, we seek to demonstrate the vascular supply provided by these structures more impressively. For this purpose we dissected the ligamentous suspension after intraarterial injection with colored latex in both breasts of 10 female cadavers. The large vessels, guided by this circle of fibrous attachments could then be seen clearly. In a further 4 female cadavers, a similar procedure was performed after intraarterial injection of surgical ink. This stained the vascular layers even more intensely. This topographical knowledge has clinical relevance. The rich and constant neurovascular supply to the nipple areola complex may be maintained in a new breast-reduction technique, which allows safe postoperative viability and sensibility of the nipple. The clinical results act as a striking evidence of our anatomical findings. Further procedures taking advantage of the easy determination and access to the neurovascular supply may be seen in future.