Utility of Lateral Circumflex Femoral Artery Perforator's 3D Image with MD-CT

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Currently, using perforator artery flaps especially anterolateral thigh flaps are widely used for reconstruction of extremities, head and neck. Obtaining a precise anatomical picture prior to operation will translate to a more accurate, efficient and safe procedure. Authors used 3D-image work up via 64-slice MDCT to make a more precise preoperative plan. METHODS: A total of 10 patients underwent soft tissue reconstruction with anterolateral thigh flap from December 2006 to December 2007. The 64-Channel MDCT (LightSpeed VCT, GE, USA) was used and 3D images were reconstructed. Findings from MDCT were applied to the preoperative planning and confirmed with intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The average number of perforator arteries from lateral circumflex femoral artery was 2. The average lengths of vascular pedicle from the origin of lateral circumflex femoral artery to the first and second perforator artery were 11.0cm and 20.0cm, respectively. The average diameter of the pedicle artery was 2.2mm. The locations of the perforator arteries were mapped and localized on the body surface based on the MDCT result. These were confirmed through direct visualization intraoperatively. CONCLUSION: MDCT has an advantage of obtaining accurate images of the general anatomy and even fine structures like perforator arteries. By using this state- of-the-art diagnostic imaging technique, it is now possible to make an operative plan safely and easily.