Application of infrared thermography combined with high frequency color Doppler ultrasound in locating perforator before anterolateral thigh perforator flap transplantation

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of infrared thermography combined with high frequency color Doppler ultrasound in locating perforator before anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) transplantation. Methods From January 2016 to October 2017, 40 patients with free ALTPF transplantation were examined by infrared thermography and high-frequency color Doppler ultrasound before operation. The number of effective perforating branches and the body surface position from the two methods were compared. Results A total of 115 heat sources were observed in 40 patients, of which 111 heat sources were found in common. Their body surface positions were almost identical and the other 4 were not identical. The coincidence rate of the number and position of effective perforators in the two groups was 97%. Conclusion The infrared thermography combined with high frequency color Doppler ultrasound can effectively guide the surgeons to complete the preoperative evaluation of perforator vessels and detect the effective ones as accurately as possible. It also can play an active role in guiding surgeons to make the best flap transplantation scheme and minimize the risk of flap transplantation. Key words: Surgical flaps; Transplantation; Ultrasonography, Doppler; Infrared thermal imager; Locate