title: Preoperative CT angiography for free fibula transfer.
abstract: The role of preoperative imaging prior to free fibula flap harvest remains controversial. The standard method of preoperative imaging has been arteriography. However, arteriography is associated with known risks and potential complications to the patient. Alternatives to traditional angiography have been sought to attempt to reduce these risks. CT angiography is a noninvasive imaging modality that can accurately assess the arterial and venous circulation, while providing images equal to those of traditional angiography. CT angiography was used in 7 patients prior to free fibula flap harvest. There were no complications from the CT angiogram or the fibula harvest. We describe our use of CT angiography for vascular imaging of the lower extremity prior to free fibula harvest.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. ykaranas@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Yvonne L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Karanas
authors.forename: Anuja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Antony
authors.forename: Geoffrey
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rubin
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D005360:Fibula / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed