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Document Type

Original Article

Abstract

Background: Soft tissue abnormalities are often repaired utilizing perforator flaps. Accurate understanding of underlying vascular architecture and the precise positioning of perforators is essential for successful surgery. Dissection can be difficult because the path and placement of perforators might vary widely. Aim of the study: to evaluate skin flaps taken from the legs to see how well thermal imaging cameras can diagnose perforators and their respective territories on the skin. Methodology: This interventional prospective case series study was conducted in plastic and reconstructive surgery unit, Azhar university hospitals Between july 2021 and april 2023 on 12 male patients and 8 female patients with leg soft tissue defects undergoing leg reconstruction surgeries. Results: In 20 patients undergoing perforator flap surgery, adequate “hot spots” were not found in one patient. The remaining 19 individuals all received flaps. All proper assessments were made utilizing intra-operative thermograms, which indicated 100% flap survival for 17 flaps and marginal ischemia for 2 flaps. Only the flaps that repaired by secondary purpose had dehiscence, whereas the remainder healed normally. Conclusion: The Thermal Camera is a fast, simple, low-cost, and reliable way for detecting perforators in the lower leg, making it a valuable tool for mapping perforators in free-style perforator flaps design

Keywords

Thermal Camera; Perforator Territories; Fasciocutaneous Flaps; Leg Reconstruction.

Subject Area

Plastic surgery

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