Equation helps assess blood flow to flaps for breast reconstruction
Flap viability index can show critical level of blood flow for popular DIEP technique, reports study in PRS Global Open
2014-10-07
(Press-News.org) October 7, 2014 – For women undergoing breast reconstruction using the advanced "DIEP" technique, a simple formula can reliably tell whether there will be sufficient blood flow to nourish the DIEP flap, reports a paper in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open®, the official open-access medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
Drs Joseph Richard Dusseldorp and David G. Pennington of Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney, performed an ultrasound study to see how well the flap viability index (FVI) equation predicted blood flow in vessels used for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. They believe the FVI can help to ensure "optimal flap perfusion and complete flap survival" in women undergoing this procedure.
Equation Helps Surgeons Assess Blood Flow for DIEP Reconstruction
The DIEP flap is a relatively new option for delayed reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. In this technique, skin and tissue from the patient's abdomen is elevated for use in reconstructing the breast. The DIEP technique is an increasingly popular technique because it provides a reconstructed breast with a natural appearance and feel, using the patient's own tissues.
The DIEP flap preserves the patient's own breast tissue as much as possible. In a major advantage over other reconstructive approaches such as the TRAM flap, it also leaves the patient's abdominal muscles intact.
Dr Pennington developed the FVI as a way of calculating the tissue weight that can be safely nourished by the available donor arteries, or "perforators." The FVI is calculated using data on the diameter of the available vessels and the weight of the final flap. The authors' experience has shown that if the FVI is over ten, total flap survival is likely. At lower FVI scores, blood supply will likely be inadequate, and partial tissue death (necrosis) is likely.
FVI Shows Close Correlation with Blood Flow Measurements
The study included ten women undergoing breast reconstruction using the DIEP flap. Within 24 hours after the procedure, the researchers measured actual blood flow in the perforating arteries, using color Doppler ultrasound. The patients had an average FVI score of 14.2—above the "safe" value.
The blood flow measurements were highly correlated with the diameter of the perforating arteries. The weight of the DIEP flap was also correlated with the perforator diameter, although to a lesser extent.
Since the FVI equation takes both of these factors into account, the results support its value in predicting the safe level of blood flow needed to fully perfuse the flap. The findings confirm that the size of the perforating vessels is "a critical factor in optimizing blood flow" to the DIEP flap, the researchers write.
The results also suggested a decreased flow rate in DIEP flaps with two or more perforating arteries. Further studies will be needed to understand the "flow dynamics" of flaps based on multiple perforators, the researchers write.
Drs Dusseldorp and Pennington encourage plastic and reconstructive surgeons to incorporate the FVI into their routine planning for DIEP reconstruction. The equation provides a simple and reliable tool for maximizing the amount of viable tissue available for reconstruction—thus increasing the chances for surgical success and patient satisfaction. The researchers add, "Since routinely ensuring FVI values greater than 10, we have had no flap necrosis in any of our DIEP flaps."
INFORMATION:
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open® is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, part of Wolters Kluwer Health.
Click here to read "Quantifying Blood Flow in the DIEP Flap: An Ultrasonographic Study."
About PRS Global Open
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—Global Open is a companion journal to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' flagship publication, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. PRS GO is an open access, rigorously peer-reviewed, international journal focusing on global plastic and reconstructive surgery. PRS GO educates and supports plastic surgeons globally to provide the highest quality patient care and maintain professional and ethical standards through education, research, and advocacy.
About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
About Wolters Kluwer Health
Wolters Kluwer Health is a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Serving more than 150 countries worldwide, clinicians rely on Wolters Kluwer Health's market leading information-enabled tools and software solutions throughout their professional careers from training to research to practice. Major brands include Health Language®, Lexicomp®, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Medicom®, Medknow, Ovid®, Pharmacy OneSource®, ProVation® Medical and UpToDate®.
Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer had 2013 annual revenues of €3.6 billion ($4.7 billion), employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, and maintains operations in over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.maintains operations in over 40 countries across Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Latin America. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Its shares are quoted on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY).
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[Press-News.org] Equation helps assess blood flow to flaps for breast reconstruction
Flap viability index can show critical level of blood flow for popular DIEP technique, reports study in PRS Global Open
