title: A detailed evaluation of the anatomical variations of the profunda artery perforator flap using computed tomographic angiograms.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The profunda artery perforator flap is a new option for breast reconstruction in appropriate patients. While the basic anatomy is known, detailed profunda perforator anatomy has never fully been described and we present new data that will aid dissection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty consecutive lower extremity computed tomography angiogram scans (100 legs) were retrospectively analyzed to acquire profunda artery perforator measurements. Patient medical records were then examined to ascertain patient information. Data were then analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and bivariate linear regressions with repeated measures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bilateral thighs from 50 consecutive angiograms were included for a total of 100 thighs. Females comprised 30 (60 percent) of the patients and the cohort average age was 59.1 years old. All thighs had at least two perforators, with 85 percent having three or more. On average, perforators were located 6.2 cm below the gluteal crease, and were evenly distributed between the medial and lateral halves of the thigh. The average perforator diameter at origin off profunda was 2.7 mm. There was significantly greater diameter in vessels in the lateral thigh (p<0.001), in patients with higher Body Mass Index (BMI) (p<0.05), and in patients with decreased age (p<0.05). Males were more likely to have perforators that shared a common trunk off the profunda artery (p<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  At least two profunda perforators exist in each thigh with an average diameter suitable for microvascular transfer, although larger perforators are observed laterally and in younger patients with higher BMI.
authors: Durham, N.C. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, and the Departments of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics and Radiology, Duke University Medical Center.
authors: Michael R
authors: MR
authors: DeLong
authors: Duncan B
authors: DB
authors: Hughes
authors: Jennifer E
authors: JE
authors: Bond
authors: Steven M
authors: SM
authors: Thomas
authors: Daniel T
authors: DT
authors: Boll
authors: Michael R
authors: MR
authors: Zenn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D061525:Perforator Flap / Q000098:blood supply*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D055815:Young Adult