Utilizing Colour Doppler Ultrasound for the Mapping of Internal and Lateral Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator Flaps: A Study on the Relationship Between Preoperative Imaging and Intraoperative Observations in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery - Report - MDSpire

Utilizing Colour Doppler Ultrasound for the Mapping of Internal and Lateral Anterior Intercostal Artery Perforator Flaps: A Study on the Relationship Between Preoperative Imaging and Intraoperative Observations in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery

  • By

  • Georg Schmidt

  • Theresa Mayo

  • Angela von Falkenhausen

  • Marion Kiechle

  • Daniel Müller

  • April 9, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Utilizing Colour Doppler Ultrasound for Mapping Perforator Flaps

Overview

This study demonstrates that high-frequency colour duplex ultrasound (CDUS) effectively identifies and localizes anterior chest wall perforators, enhancing preoperative planning in oncoplastic breast surgery. The introduction of a standardized ultrasound protocol and coordinate-based mapping system strengthens the correlation between preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings.

Background

The integration of oncoplastic techniques in breast cancer surgery has transformed approaches to tumor resection, prioritizing both oncological safety and aesthetic outcomes. Perforator flaps, which utilize reliable perforator vessels, have emerged as a minimally invasive option with reduced donor-site morbidity. Effective preoperative imaging is critical for successful flap harvesting, making the exploration of CDUS as a viable alternative to traditional imaging methods essential.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • CDUS allows reproducible identification of anterior chest wall perforators.
  • The study introduces a standardized ultrasound protocol for evaluating perforators.
  • Correlation between preoperative CDUS findings and intraoperative observations enhances surgical planning.
  • CDUS is a radiation-free and cost-effective alternative to CTA for perforator mapping.
  • Previous studies have shown no flap losses when using CDUS for flap planning.

Clinical Implications

The findings suggest that incorporating CDUS into preoperative planning can reduce operative uncertainty and improve flap harvesting outcomes. Surgeons may consider adopting this imaging technique to enhance the safety and efficacy of oncoplastic breast surgery.

Conclusion

The study supports the use of CDUS as a reliable method for mapping perforator flaps, potentially broadening the clinical application of these techniques in breast reconstruction.

References

  1. Techniques in Coloproctology, 2024 -- Impact of Preserving the Left Colonic Artery on Anastomotic Perfusion During Rectal Cancer Surgery Assessed via Intraoperative Ultrasound
  2. Surgical Endoscopy, 2023 -- Non-dye-based visualization of intestinal blood flow through laser speckle contrast imaging during laparoscopic procedures: a multi-center, prospective observational study
  3. Surgical Endoscopy, 2024 -- Intraoperative Assessment of Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging for Intestinal Laparoscopic Surgery: Effective Application in a Porcine Model of Intestinal Ischemia
  4. European Radiology, 2026 -- Contrast-enhanced mammography versus breast MRI in the preoperative evaluation of the nipple-areola complex: data from a real-world setting
  5. AGO Breast Commission recommendations for the surgical therapy of breast cancer: Working Group on Gynecologic Cancers (AGO) update 2025 - ScienceDirect
  6. A systematic review and meta-analysis on computed tomography angiography mapping for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction - PMC
  7. AGO Breast Commission recommendations for the surgical therapy of breast cancer: Working Group on Gynecologic Cancers (AGO) update 2025 - ScienceDirect
  8. A systematic review and meta-analysis on computed tomography angiography mapping for deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction - PMC

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