Use of infrared thermography for the assessment of free flap perforators in autologous breast reconstruction: A systematic review

• Main Authors: Orla Hennessy, Shirley M. Potter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2020-03-01
• Series: JPRAS Open
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235258781930049X

Perforator-based flaps have in recent years become the mainstay of autologous breast reconstruction practice. Imaging modalities ranging from Doppler ultrasound to CT angiography demonstrate varying utility in the preoperative identification and localisation of perforators. Despite these available radiological investigations, finding and quantitatively assessing perforators remain a time-consuming and tedious process that is often complicated by a number of factors including variable anatomy prior surgery and body habitus. Thermographic imaging shows promise as a novel modality for preoperative localisation of perforator vessels. This review summarises the currently available evidence for its application in perforator mapping for abdominal-based autologous breast reconstruction. We discuss the development of the technology over the years, its current use, its advantages and how it may impact on reconstructive breast surgery. Keywords: Infrared thermography, Breast reconstruction, DIEP dynamic perforator, Mapping location