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J Reconstr Microsurg 2022; 38(03): 206-216
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1740126
Review Article

Designing An Anterolateral Thigh Flap Using Ultrasound

Giuseppe Visconti 
1   UOC Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento Scienze Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del “Sacro Cuore,” Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCSS, Rome, Italy
,
Alessandro Bianchi
1   UOC Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento Scienze Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del “Sacro Cuore,” Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCSS, Rome, Italy
,
Akitatsu Hayashi
2   Department of Breast Center, Kameda Medical Center Chiba, Chiba, Japan
,
Marzia Salgarello
1   UOC Chirurgia Plastica, Dipartimento Scienze Salute della Donna, del Bambino e di Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del “Sacro Cuore,” Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCSS, Rome, Italy
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Abstract

Background Preoperative knowledge of themicrovascular anatomy of a patientmay improve safetyand efficacy and reduce morbidity. Today, with the advancement in technology, ultrasound can provide minute details of the structures within the body, which makes this technology very helpful in preoperative evaluation of the traditional perforator flaps as well as thin, superthin, and pure skin perforator flaps.

Methods In this article, we will describe the design of one of the most popular perforator flaps, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap, using high-frequency and ultrahigh-frequency ultrasound technology.

Results Ultrasound technology allows to study preoperatively the ALT donor-site and its microvascular anatomy by using different US modalities in order to provide a virtual surgical plan to the operating surgeon.

Conclusion Ultrasound technology allow to expand preoperative knowledge of flap microvascular anatomy and its course within the subcutaneous tissue up to and within the dermis, allowing to select the best perforator for the given reconstruction and the plane of elevation for thin, superthin and pure skin perforator flap.

Keywords

anterolateral thigh flap - thin flap - lateral circumflex femoral artery


Publication History

Received: 24 June 2021

Accepted: 26 September 2021

Article published online:
17 December 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA

 

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