Mapping 216 Perforator Flaps Using Highly Portable Tablet-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound (PT-CDU)

The Precision of Colour Doppler Ultrasonography Combined with Dynamic Infrared Thermography in Perforator Mapping for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Breast Reconstruction

Background: Perforator mapping is a mandatory tool for the preoperative planning of a microsurgical free flap, especially in breast reconstruction. Numerous methods for mapping have been described. In this study, we investigate the combined use of Dynamic Infrared Thermography (DIRT) and Colour Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) only to see whether it can eliminate the need for Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 33 patients with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps for breast reconstruction. DIRT, followed by CDUS and CTA, was performed preoperatively and perforators were confirmed intraoperatively. Results: From 135 hot spots found on DIRT, 123 perforators were confirmed by CDUS (91.11%). A total of 86.66% of the perforator vessels detected on CTA have their correspondent on DIRT, while 95.12% have their correspondent on CDUS. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was found comparing DIRT vs. CTA and CDU vs. CTA. The average DIRT time was 121.54 s and CDUS 232.09 s. The mean sensitivity for DIRT was 95.72% and 93.16% for CDUS. Conclusion: DIRT combined with CDUS can precisely and efficiently identify suitable perforators without the need for CTA in DIEP breast reconstruction.

Split Anterolateral Thigh Flap: A New Classification of Anatomical Variants and a Surgical Planning Algorithm

BACKGROUND

 Split anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile reconstruction option, yet long underestimated as no practical perforator classification and no optimal strategy were present. Harvesting "capillary nonsizable perforators" could potentially expand flap splits to those with no existing multiple sizable perforators. Concerns over defect characteristics, recipient vessels, pedicle length, and split timing should all be weighted equally in designing the suitable flap. Refinement is thus required to enable precise reconstructions.

METHODS

 All patients undergoing anterolateral thigh flap harvests between 2014 and 2021 performed by a single surgeon were included. The perforator patterns of sizable pedicle, course, origin, and further successful flap-split methods were documented. Surgical outcome of flap survival was analyzed.

RESULTS

 Anatomical variants of 134 (48.4%) dual, 123 (44.4%) single, and 20 (7.2%) no sizable perforators were found in a total of 277 anterolateral thigh flaps. The overall flap survival rate was 97.5%. Flap split was performed in 82 flaps, including 29 single and 5 no sizable perforator cases previously considered "unsplittable," by utilizing a series of direct skin paddle split, capillary nonsizable perforators harvesting, and flow-through anastomosis technique. Comparable flap survivals were found between split and nonsplit flaps as well as between split segments supplied by sizable and capillary nonsizable perforators. Primary closure was achieved in 98.9% of the thigh donor sites.

CONCLUSION

 A new classification of the common anterolateral thigh flap anatomical variants was proposed and a comprehensive algorithm of split flap strategy was developed along with the innovative "fabricate" concept.

Imaging in reconstructive microsurgery - current standards and latest trends

In microsurgery, many different imaging techniques are available in both flap and lymphatic surgery that all come with their own advantages and disadvantages. In flap surgery, CT angiography is considered as the gold standard. Among others, Doppler ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, ICG, and smartphone-based thermal cameras are valuable imaging techniques. In lymphatic surgery, photoacoustic imaging, laser tomography, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, and high frequency ultrasound stand available to surgeons next to the current standard of lymphoscintigraphy. It is crucial to know the advantages and disadvantages to various techniques and highly adviced to microsurgeons be capable of using a variety of them.

Perforator Characteristics and Impact on Postoperative Outcomes in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

 High-quality evidence on perforator selection in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvesting is lacking, making preoperative planning and choice of perforators "surgeon-specific." This lack of consensus is a subject of continuous debate among microsurgeons. We aimed to systematically review perforator characteristics and their impact on DIEP flap breast reconstruction outcomes.

METHODS

 We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis across six databases: ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, Medline, Ovid Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for all studies on DIEP flap breast reconstruction focused on perforator characteristics-caliber, number, and location. The primary goal was to analyze the impact of perforator characteristics on partial and/or total flap failure and fat necrosis. Data was analyzed using RevMan V5.3.

RESULTS

 Initial search gave us 2,768 articles of which 17 were included in our review. Pooled analysis did not show any statistically significant correlations between partial and/or total flap failure and perforator number, or perforator location. Sensitivity analysis accounting for heterogeneity across studies showed that, the risk for fat necrosis was significantly higher if single perforators (relative risk [RR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-2.6, I ² = 39%) and medial row perforators (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.8-3.9, I ² = 0%) were used.

CONCLUSION

 Our findings suggest that a single dominant perforator and medial row perforators may be associated with higher risk of fat necrosis after DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Adopting a standardized perforator selection algorithm may facilitate operative decision making, shorten the learning curve for novice surgeons, and optimize postoperative outcomes by minimizing the burden of major complications. This in turn would help improve patient satisfaction and quality of life.

Thermography Supported Color Duplex Ultrasound Accelerates ALT Perforator Imaging

BACKGROUND

 The anterolateral thigh flap is a versatile and dependable perforator flap and is a popular choice in the reconstruction of various body sites. The variable perforator anatomy suggests preoperative perforator imaging to improve safety and speed of dissection. An innovative perforator imaging technique is thermography, which lately gained attention in plastic surgery.

METHODS

 Thirty-two healthy participants were included in this randomized study. One thigh was examined with dynamic infrared thermography and consecutively with ultrasound, while the contralateral thigh was examined with ultrasound as standalone technology.

RESULTS

 The application of dynamic infrared thermography prior to ultrasound perforator identification significantly accelerated the ultrasound examination duration by 90 to 130 seconds. The mean duplex ultrasound examination duration correlated positively with the hotspot and perforator quantity per thigh.

CONCLUSION

 The addition of thermographic perforator mapping can accelerate color duplex ultrasound anterolateral thigh perforator imaging. Furthermore, thermography supplements color duplex ultrasound with crucial information on angiosome location.