title: Delineating the vascular territory (perforasome) of a perforator in the lower extremity of the rabbit with four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The anatomy of any particular vascular perforator relative to its vascular territory (perforasome) and flow characteristics is unique and complex. This arterial perforasome study with laboratory rabbits was conducted to assess four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography as an imaging tool for the design of individualized tissue transfers. This study offers clinically relevant information that should improve flap survival.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six New Zealand White rabbits weighing 3.0 to 3.25 kg underwent contrast-enhanced four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography in a 128-slice scanner after intraarterial injection of iopromide iodinated contrast material. Based on the image data, the perforasome of the posterior thigh perforator was marked onto the posterior thigh skin. The perforasome size was confirmed by microangiography. Data from four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography and microangiography were statistically compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography clearly and accurately delineated the perfusion and vascular territories of the perforators. The area of the perforator flap as measured with four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography compared favorably to that obtained by means of microangiography; there was no statistically significant difference in the results from the two methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography was capable of accurately characterizing the vascular territory and flow characteristics of the arterial perforator in live rabbits. This technique for determining perforator location, axiality, and optimal perfusion territory will potentially benefit human patients.
authors: Changchun and Jilin, People's Republic of China From the Department of Hand Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, and the Departments of Plastic Surgery, Neurology, and Radiology, The People's Hospital.
authors: Jing-Ying
authors: JY
authors: Nie
authors: Lai-Jin
authors: LJ
authors: Lu
authors: Xu
authors: X
authors: Gong
authors: Qi
authors: Q
authors: Li
authors: Jun-Jie
authors: JJ
authors: Nie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D056973:Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D011817:Rabbits