Application of computed tomographic angiography and a three-dimensional reconstruction technique for repairing facial skin defects
Preoperative CTA with 3D reconstruction accurately maps facial flap vessels and reduces harvest and operation times with zero flap failures.
Published Dec 7, 20252 citationsPaper ↗
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Abstract
Abstract To explore the clinical value of computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques in the repair of facial skin defects. We observed 40 patients with facial trauma or scars repaired by free flap transplantation. To observe the blood vessel diameter, location, direction, variation, branches, the relationships of the vessels with the skin flap, and the surrounding tissue were measured through preoperative CTA and a three-dimensional reconstruction technique of the 23 patients. Superficial temporoparietal, facial, chest, back, and rotary arteriovenous vessels were measured. The time of harvesting the flap, the operation time, and the incidences of the flap blood supply disorder or the flap reoperation were recorded in 40 patients.We found the same vascular anatomy structure characteristics during the actual surgery as in the pre-operative imaging, with no statistically significant differences observed about the 23 patients. And the time of harvesting the flap, the operation time was reduced.No flap reoperation, flap blood supply disorder, or flap necrosis occurred.CTA and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques can accurately reflect origin, termination, diameter, location, direction, variation, branching, and flap anatomy structure characteristics with regard to the superficial temporal, facial, thoracic dorsal, and circumflex scapular arteries and veins. These findings provide a direct digital anatomical basis and guide for surgery.