A novel blood supply method for free jejunal transfer with the third jejunal artery as vascular pedicle

Purpose To assess the effective distribution of blood supply in jejunal graft with the 3rd intestinal artery as pedicle and to afford a reliable theoretic base for clinical esophageal reconstruction. Methods Thirty-two formalin-preserved and 21 fresh cadaver specimens were studied with anatomic measurement, acetic ester perfusion, and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) vascular casting specimen. Results Results demonstrate there is no significant variation of vascular in the two groups. The inner diameter of the 3rd intestinal artery is comparatively larger among five intestinal arteries. There is a wider distribution of efficient blood supply in the 3rd intestinal artery. The mean (SD) length of homogenously stained jejunum segment, and the mean (SD) ABS effective distributing length of extended arches are 142.2 (62.3) cm and 30.8 (7.3) cm, respectively. Conclusions The 3rd intestinal artery as pedicle can afford adequate blood supply to the jejunum segment and has effective arterial arch with enough length; thus it meets the need of esophageal reconstruction.