Reliability of Anatomical Landmarks for Skin Perforators of the Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap

Abstract

The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is a feasible choice for shallow defects in superthin form. Using a color Doppler device to identify the skin perforators preoperatively is highly suggested to prevent unexpected anatomical variations.

Toe resurfacing with a thin thoracodorsal artery perforator flap

“…The thoracodorsal artery perforator flap has been reliably used for various reconstruction operations ranging from head and neck reconstruction to hand resurfacing . The thickness of this flap can be safely reduced to about 5 mm.…”

Surgical Technique in Pedicled Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flaps: A Clinical Experience with 99 Patients

“…Both color duplex and multidetector row computed tomographic images were used in 4 percent of patients for preoperative perforator identification. The average flap size was 20 ϫ 8 cm (range of length, 16 Volume 121, Number 5 • Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap to 25 cm; range of width, 6 to 10 cm). Ninety thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps were harvested.…”

“…3,7,15,16 Recent studies demonstrate only 5.5 Ϯ 1.8 perforators with a diameter greater than 0.5 mm supplying this flap. 15 However, only one or two perforators can be clinically used if a useful arc of rotation is to be maintained.…”

“…However, this area depends on the position of the patient and laxity of the skin and may not correspond to intraoperative findings. 16 Consequently, significant time can be spent searching for skin perforators and modifying the flap design. 16 The ability to safely and expeditiously harvest a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is facilitated by precise preoperative localization of its perforators.…”

“…16 Consequently, significant time can be spent searching for skin perforators and modifying the flap design. 16 The ability to safely and expeditiously harvest a thoracodorsal artery perforator flap is facilitated by precise preoperative localization of its perforators. Using one of the several available radiologic assessment methods mentioned provides information specific to an individual patient, making flap harvest safer and faster.…”