Impact of Perforator Mapping Using Multidetector-Row Computed Tomographic Angiography on Free Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap Transfer

• DOI: 10.1097/prs.0b013e31818458b3
• Publication Date: 2008-09-10T07:19:40Z
• Authors: Goo-Hyun Mun; Hyung-Joon Kim; Myung-Kyu Cha; Wan-Yuk Kim
• Keywords: Thoracodorsal artery; Computed tomographic angiography; Perforator flaps; Computed Tomography Angiography; Surgical Planning

Background: The preoperative localization of thoracodorsal artery perforators has been a challenge because their topographic variation. Methods: From November 2005 to January 2007, 25 patients underwent free perforator flap transfer for reconstruction the lower extremities (22 flaps) and head neck (three flaps). All multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography mapping. findings were compared with acoustic Doppler flowmetric intraoperative findings. Surgical outcomes those historical group treated before adoption tomography–based Results: sizes ranged from 3 × 5 cm 27 13 cm. One four (mean, 2.2) marked on three-dimensional image each patient locations correlated handheld examination. Intraoperatively, all confirmed, three additional that had not identified images observed. flaps survived, exception two cases marginal necrosis. Concrete planning based knowledge precise location allowed shorter harvest time, minimized incision harvest, particularly small flaps, enabled planned use multiple better perfusion or complex designs. Conclusions: Perforator mapping is valuable both executing transfer. targeted harvesting allows safe straightforward an elegant reconstruction, less donor-site morbidity.