Preview

Grekov's Bulletin of Surgery

Advanced search

Preoperative mapping of perforator flaps using ultrasound triplex angioscanning for head and neck defects reconstruction

https://doi.org/10.24884/0042-4625-2025-184-3-68-77

Abstract

The objective of the study was to develop an algorithm for searching perforator vessels and preoperative planning of the design of the anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALT) and superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (SCIP) using ultrasound triplex angioscanning (UTAS) and compare the data obtained with intraoperative localization of perforator vessels.

Methods and materials. From January 2023 to May 2024, 8 patients with defects and neoplasms of the maxillofacial area, who underwent preoperative preparation with bilateral UTAS of soft tissues of the anterolateral thigh and groin area, were monitored at the University Clinic. At the level of the interested anatomical structures, the maximum systolic blood flow velocity (maxSBFV), resistance index (RI), perforator vessel localization and the depth of it were assessed. All patients underwent surgery soon, during which a comparison was made between angioscanning data and the intraoperative view. The UTAS protocol for two flaps with parameter settings of the ultrasound diagnostic device was described in detail.

Results. Thus, eight patients underwent head and neck reconstruction. The average age of the patients was 41.25 years (25–63 years), the average body mass index (BMI) was 27.2 (26.14±2.47 kg/m2), 5 ALTPF and 3 SCIAPF were transplanted. The average maxSBFV values at the level of the superficial circumflex iliac artery in SCIAPF were 28.56±18.46 cm/s, in ALTPF at the level of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery were 49.86±15.02 cm/s. The results of measuring maxSBFV and RI in perforator vessels at the level of deep and superficial fascia were also described.

Conclusion. Triplex angioscanning of blood vessels provides both anatomical and hemodynamic information for donor and recipient sites. The surgeon’s training in UTAS techniques allows the operator to carefully assess the donor area before surgery, which will reduce unpredictable situations intraoperatively.

About the Authors

I. M. Shpitser
https://vk.com/maxillofacial_machine
Russian University of Medicine ; Central Research Institute of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
Russian Federation

Shpitser Ivan M., Maxillofacial Surgeon, University Clinic of the Scientific and Educational Institute; Postgraduate Student  

4, Dolgorukovskaya str., Moscow, 127006

16, Timur Frunze str., Moscow, 119034 


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflict of interest. 



V. V. Vikentyev
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Vikentyev Viacheslav V., Dr. of Sci (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Functional Diagnostics, University Clinic of the Scientific and Educational Institute

4, Dolgorukovskaya str., Moscow, 127006


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflict of interest. 



A. P. Vedyaeva
Central Research Institute of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
Russian Federation

Vedyaeva Anna P., Dr. of Sci (Med.), Docent, Head of the Department of Surgical Dentistry

16, Timur Frunze str., Moscow, 119034 


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflict of interest. 



M. N. Bolshakov
Central Research Institute of Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery
Russian Federation

Bolshakov Mikhail N., Cand. of Sci (Med.), Maxillofacial Surgery of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

16, Timur Frunze str., Moscow, 119034


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflict of interest. 



O. B. Kulakov
Russian University of Medicine
Russian Federation

Kulakov Oleg B., Dr. of Sci (Med.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery

4, Dolgorukovskaya str., Moscow, 127006


Competing Interests:

The authors declare no conflict of interest. 



References

1. Parrett B. M., Talbot S. G., Pribaz J. J., Lee B. T. A review of local and regional flaps for distal leg reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2009;25(7):445–455. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1223847.

2. Suh H. S., Oh T. S., Lee H. S. et al. A New Approach for Reconstruction of Diabetic Foot Wounds Using the Angiosome and Supermicrosurgery Concept. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(4):702e–709e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002401.

3. Lee Y. J., Lee Y. J., Oh D. Y. et al. Reconstruction of wide soft tissue defects with extended anterolateral thigh perforator flap turbocharged technique with anteromedial thigh perforator. Microsurgery. 2020;40(4):440–446. https://doi.org/10.1002/micr.30549.

4. Suh H. S. P., Jeong H. H., Choi D. H., Hong J. P. Study of the Medial Superficial Perforator of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Using Computed Tomographic Angiography and Surgical Anatomy in 142 Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;139(3):738–748. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003147.

5. Suh Y. C., Hong J. P., Suh H. P. Elevation Technique for Medial Branch based Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator flap. Operationstechnik zur Hebung der medialen A. circumflexa iliaca superficialis-Perforans-Lappenplastik (SCIP-Flap). Handchir Mikrochir Plast Chir. 2018;50(4):256– 258. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0631-9180.

6. Cha H. G., Hur J., Ahn C. et al. Ultrathin Anterolateral Thigh Free Flap: An Adipocutaneous Flap with the Most Superficial Elevation Plane. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023;152(4):718e–723e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000010295.

7. Papanikolas M. J., Hurrell M. J. L., Clark J. R. et al. Anterolateral thigh, radial forearm and superficial circumflex iliac perforator flaps in oral reconstruction: a comparative analysis. ANZ J Surg. 2023;93(5):1335– 1340. https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.18239.

8. Escandón J. M., Ciudad P., Mayer H. F. et al. Free flap transfer with supermicrosurgical technique for soft tissue reconstruction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Microsurgery. 2023;43(2):171–184. https://doi.org/10.1002/micr.30894.

9. Scaglioni M. F., Meroni M., Fritsche E., Rajan G. Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap in Advanced Head and Neck Reconstruction: From Simple to Its Chimeric Patterns and Clinical Experience with 22 Cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022;149(3):721–730. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008878.

10. Tashiro K., Harima M., Kato M. et al. Preoperative color Doppler ultrasound assessment in planning of SCIP flaps. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2015;68(7):979–983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2015.03.004.

11. Hwang J. Y. Doppler ultrasonography of the lower extremity arteries: anatomy and scanning guidelines. Ultrasonography. 2017;36(2):111– 119. https://doi.org/10.14366/usg.16054.

12. Kehrer A., Heidekrueger P. I., Lonic D. et al. High-Resolution UltrasoundGuided Perforator Mapping and Characterization by the Microsurgeon in Lower Limb Reconstruction. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2021;37(1):75–82. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1702162.

13. Hsu W. M., Chao W. N., Yang C. et al. Evolution of the free groin flap: the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119(5):1491–1498. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000256057.42415.73.

14. Jin S., He Y., Tian Z. et al. Superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap aided by color Doppler sonography mapping for like-with-like buccal reconstruction. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2015;119(2):170–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2014.10.024.

15. Lin S.J., Rabie A., Yu P. Designing the anterolateral thigh flap without preoperative Doppler or imaging. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2010;26(1):67–72. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1234023.

16. Lindsey J. T. Jr., Smith C., Lee J. et al. Mapping 216 Perforator Flaps Using Highly Portable Tablet-Based Color Doppler Ultrasound (PT-CDU). J Reconstr Microsurg. 2022;38(2):115–120. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1731676.

17. Suh H. S., Oh T. S., Lee H. S. et al. A New Approach for Reconstruction of Diabetic Foot Wounds Using the Angiosome and Supermicrosurgery Concept. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(4):702e–709e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002401.

18. Schiltz D., Lenhard J., Klein S. et al. Do-It-Yourself Preoperative HighResolution Ultrasound-Guided Flap Design of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap (SCIP). J Clin Med. 2021;10(11):2427. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10112427.

19. Haribhakti V. V., Thorat T. S., Powle V. R., Virarkar M. K. Prospective study to analyse the efficiency of Acoustic Doppler v/s Colour Duplex Ultrasound in locating perforators for antero-lateral thigh flap in reconstructive head and neck surgery. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2021;74(9):2026–2033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2020.12.088.

20. Hocaoglu E., Elbey H. Improving the accuracy of easily acces- sible 5-MHz Handheld Doppler examination in perforator flap planning. PRS. 2013;131(1):e130–1.

21. Blondeel P. N., Beyens G. Doppler flowmetry in the planning of perforator flaps. BJPS. 1998;51:202–9.

22. Suh H. S. P., Jeong H. H., Choi D. H., Hong J. P. Study of the Medial Superficial Perforator of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap Using Computed Tomographic Angiography and Surgical Anatomy in 142 Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;139(3):738–748. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000003147.

23. Lin C. T., Huang J. S., Hsu K. C. et al. Different types of suprafascial courses in thoracodorsal artery skin perforators. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2008;121:840–8.

24. Miller J. R., Potparic Z., Colen L. B. et al. The accuracy of duplex ultrasonography in the planning of skin flaps in the lower extremity. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1995;95:1221–7.

25. Debelmas A., Camuzard O., Aguilar P., Qassemyar Q. Reliability of Color Doppler Ultrasound Imaging for the Assessment of Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforators: A Prospective Study of 30 Perforators. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018;141(3):762–766. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000004117.

26. Kehrer A., Sachanadani N. S., da Silva N. P. B. et al. Step-by-step guide to ultrasound-based design of alt flaps by the microsurgeon - Basic and advanced applications and device settings. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2020;73(6):1081–1090. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2019.11.035.


Supplementary files

Review

For citations:


Shpitser I.M., Vikentyev V.V., Vedyaeva A.P., Bolshakov M.N., Kulakov O.B. Preoperative mapping of perforator flaps using ultrasound triplex angioscanning for head and neck defects reconstruction. Grekov's Bulletin of Surgery. 2025;184(3):68-77. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/0042-4625-2025-184-3-68-77

Views: 17


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.


ISSN 0042-4625 (Print)
ISSN 2686-7370 (Online)