Tracing: A Simple Interpretation Method for the DIEP Flap CT Angiography to Help Operative Decision-making.

ABSTRACT: CT angiography (CTA) is an established technique that allows preoperative planning in DIEP flap reconstruction. However, innovative technological developments with extensive amounts of information require processing of data. It also requires user knowledge to interpret findings. Descriptions by radiologists are many times disappointingly limited to caliber and exit points of the perforator from the rectus fascia. Many DIEP flap surgeons similarly fail to utilize the CTA to its full extent. This is likely due to information overload. By tracing the DIEA on the CTA on a computer screen, using an ordinary ballpoint pen and a white sheet of paper, the surgeon can create a stylistic map of the dissectional-path of the DIEA. The map illustrates unusual branching patterns, perforator caliber and

SUBMITTER: Sandberg LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7722613 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature