The accuracy of computed tomographic angiography for mapping the perforators of the deep inferior epigastric artery: A blinded, prospective cohort study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap is increasingly used for autologous breast reconstruction, with low donor-site morbidity cited as a major advantage of this operation. Preoperative imaging of the donor-site vasculature is frequently used as a further means of improving operative outcome. Computed tomographic angiography has been increasingly described as a preferred imaging modality; however, its formal evaluation has not been described in a clinical setting. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, cohort study was undertaken on 60 consecutive patients for whom deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap surgery had been planned. Patients who did not undergo ..