title: Anatomical variations and pre-operative imaging technique concerning the anterolateral thigh flap: guiding the surgeon.
abstract: The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has widespread use throughout the body because of the many engineering options. The ALT has a complex local vasculature, which can be of importance for the surgical approach. In general, the flap receives its perfusion from branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA). The LCFA, however, has a large anatomic variance. CT angiography can guide the surgeon in the selection of the most suitable site and aid in the surgical approach.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: De Beule
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Wouter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Van Deun
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vranckx
authors.affiliation: 3 Medical Imaging Research Centre (Louvre/MiRC), University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Bart
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: de Dobbelaere
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maleux
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Heye
mesh_terms: D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013848:Thigh / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*