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J Reconstr Microsurg 2021; 37(01): 075-082
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1702162
Original Article

High-Resolution Ultrasound-Guided Perforator Mapping and Characterization by the Microsurgeon in Lower Limb Reconstruction

Andreas Kehrer
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Paul I. Heidekrueger
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Daniel Lonic
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Christian D. Taeger
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Silvan Klein
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Philipp Lamby
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Neil S. Sachanadani
2   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Detroit, Michigan
,
Ernst Michael Jung
3   Department of Radiology, Ultrasound Center, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Lukas Prantl
1   Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
,
Natascha Platz Batista da Silva
3   Department of Radiology, Ultrasound Center, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background Preoperative ultrasound (US)-guided perforator mapping has immensely simplified perforator flap planning. It may be executed by the microsurgeon. Device settings and selection of ultrasound modes are of utmost significance for detection of low-flow microvessels. The following study evaluates different US modes.

Methods A prospective complete data acquisition was performed from July 2018 to June 2019 in a subset of patients who underwent US-guided flap planning. Multifrequency linear transducers were used applying five US modes. Brightness (B)-mode, color flow (CF), power Doppler (PD), pulse wave (PW), and B-flow modes were evaluated regarding applicability by microsurgeons. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and resistance index (RI) were chosen to evaluate flow characteristics. US results were correlated to intraoperative findings.

Results A total number of eight patients (six males and two females) undergoing anterolateral thigh (ALT) or superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap surgery received an extensive standardized US-guided perforator characterization. Qualitative evaluation was performed in B-mode, color-coded duplex sonography (CCDS), PD, and B-flow mode. Quantitative assessment was executed using PW-mode and CCDS measuring the microvessels' diameter (mm) and flow characteristics (PSV, EDV, and RI). CCDS provided a mean diameter of 1.93 mm (range: 1.2–2.8 ± 0.51), a mean systolic peak of 16.9 cm/s (range: 9.9–33.4 ± 7.79), and mean RI of 0.71 (range: 0.55–0.87 ± 0.09) for lower limb perforators. All perforators located with US were verified by intraoperative findings. An optimized, time-effective US mapping algorithm was derived. Qualitative parameters may be evaluated with B-mode, CF, or B-flow. Smallest microvessels may be assessed in PD-mode. Lowering pulse-repetition frequency (PRF)/scale is mandatory to image low-flow microvessels as perforators. Quantitative information may be obtained using PW-mode and the distance-measuring tool in CF-mode. Image and video materials are provided.

Conclusion CCDS proved to be a powerful tool for preoperative perforator characterization when using a structured approach and mapping algorithm. Different techniques may be applied for specific visualizations and performed by the microsurgeon.

Keywords

ultrasound - perforator flap - color coded duplex ultrasound


Publication History

Received: 05 November 2019

Accepted: 19 December 2019

Article published online:
28 February 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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