Identification of abdominal cutaneous perforator artery in pig using the Angio-CT technique

Abstract

Identification of vascularization of cutaneous skin flaps is an important step in reconstructive surgery, both in humans and veterinary medicine. Choosing the right cutaneous flap imply evaluation of its perforators vessels abundancy also reducing the morbidity of the donor and the receivers site. Cutaneous perforators represent a reliable source of vascularity allowing reconstruction of defects in plastic surgery base on the principle of reconstructive similarity. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 5 pigs, PIC-F 11-337 hybrid, with a weight between 35-55kg. The pigs were subjected to sedation and anesthesia. The contrast agent used for Angio CT was VISIPAQUE 320 that was automatically injected using a CT 9000 ADV Contrast Delivery System. Scanning procedure was performed on SIEMENS SOMATOMSCOPE system. Results and discussions. After contrast agent injection, the scan was performed at 3 mm slice thickness, 110-130 kV and 25-66 mAs, and the reconstruction was made at 0.5 mm and 1 mm per slice. In the arterial time were identify the cutaneous perforators that irrigate the abdominal skin. Base on Angio CT images, the vessels identify with contrast agent were tried to by highlighted using surgical procedures. Conclusion. CT Angiography is a technique that help chart the cutaneous perforator, being an imaging technique that have a real potential in establishing the proper cutaneous flap in case of plastic surgery.