title: Factors influencing the necessity for preoperative vascular imaging before harvesting a vascularized fibular flap.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study was carried out to identify groups of patients who would benefit from this angiography. The angiographic images of a random group of patients were studied; the correlations between the vascular state of the lower extremities and vessel pathology were investigated; and the possible links of these findings with certain medical conditions were explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three experienced observers independently evaluated the angiograms of 185 patients. The status of all 3 vessels of the lower extremities (anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery, and peroneal artery) was evaluated. The patients' gender, age, drinking and smoking habits, and medical conditions were documented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a significant correlation between pathology of the arteries of the lower extremity and blood cholesterol level, blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and age.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We suggest that preoperative vascular imaging be carried out in patients with comorbidities to reduce the potential for flap failure and to minimize donor site complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Plastic Facial Surgery, University Hospital of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: aghassemi@ukaachen.de.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghassemi
authors.affiliation: Private Dental Practice, Oberhausen, Germany.
authors.forename: Maike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jost
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Statistics, University of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fitzner
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Houman
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jalaie
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Plastic Facial Surgery, University Hospital of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hölzle
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Apitzsch
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral, Maxillofacial and Plastic Facial Surgery, University Hospital of Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Modabber
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Lloyd
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nanhekhan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000792:Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D001158:Arteries; D015897:Comorbidity; D005360:Fibula / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000637:transplantation; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016909:Tibial Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D060053:Transplant Donor Site / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging