TY - JOUR
T1 - Perfusion of the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap measured by laser Doppler imager
AU - van den Heuvel, M.G.W.
AU - Mermans, J.F.
AU - Ambergen, A.W.
AU - van der Hulst, R.R.W.J.
PY - 2011/1/1
Y1 - 2011/1/1
N2 - BACKGROUND:: During surgery, circulation in the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator free flap (DIEP) changes. Although blood flow is an important parameter for surgical outcome, little research has been performed on this topic, especially during the process of transplantation. This study examined the pattern of perfusion of DIEP flaps over time. METHODS:: Sixteen flaps were studied in 14 DIEP patients. With the Laser Doppler Imager, flap perfusion was measured at 4 different time points before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS:: Both central and peripheral perfusion did not alter after dissection, when blood supply became restricted to the abdominal vascular pedicle. After transplantation, blood flow was higher in the central part of the flap compared with the peripheral border. Central flow increased after transplantation, compared with measurements before and during surgery. Peripheral flow, however, decreased after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS:: Surprisingly, flap perfusion did not alter after dissection. It only changed after flap transplantation, when central blood flow increased and peripheral flow decreased.
AB - BACKGROUND:: During surgery, circulation in the Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator free flap (DIEP) changes. Although blood flow is an important parameter for surgical outcome, little research has been performed on this topic, especially during the process of transplantation. This study examined the pattern of perfusion of DIEP flaps over time. METHODS:: Sixteen flaps were studied in 14 DIEP patients. With the Laser Doppler Imager, flap perfusion was measured at 4 different time points before, during, and after surgery. RESULTS:: Both central and peripheral perfusion did not alter after dissection, when blood supply became restricted to the abdominal vascular pedicle. After transplantation, blood flow was higher in the central part of the flap compared with the peripheral border. Central flow increased after transplantation, compared with measurements before and during surgery. Peripheral flow, however, decreased after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS:: Surprisingly, flap perfusion did not alter after dissection. It only changed after flap transplantation, when central blood flow increased and peripheral flow decreased.
U2 - 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181e37bc8
DO - 10.1097/SAP.0b013e3181e37bc8
M3 - Article
C2 - 21233705
SN - 0148-7043
VL - 66
SP - 648
EP - 653
JO - Annals of Plastic Surgery
JF - Annals of Plastic Surgery
IS - 6
ER -