The "perfusion map" of the unipedicled TRAM flap to reduce postoperative partial necrosis.
The unipedicled transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap is a well-known technique for breast reconstruction. However, it is clinically difficult to evaluate the blood perfusion of the flap in the operating room. A new technique of blood supply evaluation, employing indocyanine green dye (ICG) fluorescence videoangiography has been performed in 10 cases of unipedicled TRAM flap breast reconstruction. In our series, the ICG measurement was demonstrated to be a safe, quick, and accurate technique of flap perfusion analysis. We confirmed the presence of individual pattern ("perfusion map") of the flap perfusion, zone II sometimes not being as well perfused as zone III. In this paper, we present our descriptive findings, and the ICG analysis seems to have a predictive value of unipedicled TRAM flap viability.
Yamaguchi
Satoru
S
Plastic and Reconstructive Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. satoru-y@tkm.att.ne.jp
De Lorenzi
Francesca
F
Petit
Jean Yves
JY
Rietjens
Mario
M
Garusi
Cristina
C
Giraldo
Andrea
A
Rey
Pier Carlo
PC
Urban
Cicero
C
Martella
Stefano
S
Bosco
Riccardo
R
D000328:Adult; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D006085:Graft Survival; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D010477:Perfusion; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green