title: Locating perforator vessels by dynamic infrared imaging and flow Doppler with no thermal cold challenge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dynamic Infrared Imaging (DIRI) is a noninvasive technique that precisely analyzes the infrared radiation of any object. We used this technique to locate the dominant perforator vessels in flap surgery in conjunction with conventional Doppler.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients scheduled for deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap and 6 for free-fibular flaps were selected. Perforator vessels were localized in the donor area, using Doppler and DIRI. The ability to locate the dominant perforators was compared between both techniques.
  
  
  RESULTS
  DIRI produced a precise map showing the location of the perforators and their area of perfusion at the skin level. Their dominance can be determined by their size. Flow Doppler located the perforators at the aponeurotic level without size and perfusion information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  DIRI produces a skin thermographic map of perforator vessels and their perfusion area. Handheld Doppler locates perforators at the aponeurotic level. Their combination increases safety in the planning of perforator flap surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tenorio
authors.forename: Ajay L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.forename: Badwi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Elias
authors.forename: Julie Schaepkens
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: van Riempst
authors.forename: Reto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wettstein
authors.forename: Yves
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Harder
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Pittet
mesh_terms: D003080:Cold Temperature; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000637:transplantation; D058752:Free Tissue Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; D016462:Mammaplasty; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013817:Thermography