Magnetic resonance angiography in preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flaps

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2009 Dec;62(12):1661-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2008.06.048. Epub 2008 Nov 6.

Abstract

Accurate preoperative localisation of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEaP) provides optimal surgical planning for DIEaP flaps. Cross-sectional imaging by contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) has advantages over previously described techniques for perforator imaging including reduced radiation exposure and better muscle to vessel contrast. A retrospective series of 10 unilateral free breast reconstructions following preoperative CE-MRA of the anterior abdominal wall is presented. Mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 50.3 years (range 44-63 years). An average of 2.8 perforators per study (range 1-5) was identified. Mean perforator luminal diameter was 2.6mm (1.4-4.0mm) with a mean intramuscular course length of 22.3mm (6.4-51.9 mm). Perforator course length was classified as 17% long intramuscular course (>4 cm), 80% short intramuscular course (<4 cm) and 3% paramedian. In all 10 patients, DIEaP flaps were successfully elevated. In all cases the flaps were elevated on vessels identified in preoperative review of the CE-MRA. There was a significant difference in the rates of conversion from DIEaP to transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flaps in the group who underwent CE-MRA in comparison to historical controls from the previous year (P=0.025). CE-MRA is an effective tool for DIEaP flap planning.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Epigastric Arteries / anatomy & histology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography / methods
  • Mammaplasty / methods*
  • Middle Aged
  • Preoperative Care / methods*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Flaps / blood supply*
  • Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods
  • Treatment Outcome