The in vivo anatomy of the deep circumflex iliac artery perforators: Defining the role for the DCIA perforator flap

Abstract

The deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) provides a dependable option for use as an osteo-musculo-cutaneous flap, particularly in mandibular reconstruction. Modifications to flaps based on DCIA perforators have been sought to prevent donor site morbidity as a consequence of muscle cuff harvest. Previous studies have been inconsistent in their descriptions of perforator anatomy, and means of assessing these preoperatively have not been widely described. A clinical anatomical study was undertaken, with a cohort of 44 hemiabdominal walls in 22 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) before free flap surgery. The feasibility of CTA and the regional vasc..