title: Comparative study of software techniques for 3D mapping of perforators in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap planning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Computed tomographic (CT) angiography (CTA) is widely considered the gold standard imaging modality for preoperative planning autologous breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator (DIEP) flap. Improved anatomical understanding from CTA has translated to enhanced clinical outcomes. To achieve this, the use of appropriate CT hardware and software is vital. Various CT scanners and contrast materials have been demonstrated to consistently produce adequate scan data. However, the availability of affordable and easily accessible imaging software capable of generating 3D volume-rendered perforator images to clinically useful quality has been lacking. Osirix (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland) is a free, readily available medical image processing software that shows promise. We have previously demonstrated in a case report the usefulness of Osirix in localizing perforators and their course.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the current case series of 50 consecutive CTA scans, we compare the accuracy of Osirix to a commonly used proprietary 3D imaging software, Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany), in identifying perforator number and location. Moreover, we compared both programs to intraoperative findings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We report a high rate of concordance with Osirix and Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D (99.6%). Both programs correlated closely with operative findings (92.2%). Most of the discrepancies were found in the lateral row perforators (90%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the current study, we report the accuracy of Osirix that is comparable to Siemens Syngo InSpace 4D, a proprietary software, in mapping perforators. However, it provides an added advantage of being free, easy-to-use, portable, and potentially a superior quality of 3D reconstructed image.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Surgery, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia ; 2 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chae
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Surgery, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia ; 2 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hunter-Smith
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Surgery, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia ; 2 Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Group (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Australia.
authors.forename: Warren Matthew
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Rozen
keywords: Computed tomographic angiography (CTA); Osirix; Siemens; accuracy; perforator imaging