Automated thermographic detection of blood vessels for DIEP flap reconstructive surgery

Edgar Cardenas De La Hoz, Jan Verstockt, Simon Verspeek, Warre Clarys, Filip E. F. Thiessen, Thierry Tondu, Wiebren A. Tjalma, Gunther Steenackers, Steve Vanlanduit

Abstract: Inadequate perfusion is the most common cause of partial flap loss in tissue transfer for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction. The current state-of-the-art uses computed tomography angiography (CTA) to locate the best perforators. Unfortunately, these techniques are expensive and time-consuming and not performed during surgery. Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) can offer a solution for these disadvantages.