Application of indocyanine green angiography in the design of perforator flaps in back region

Objective To investigate the effect of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) in the design of pre-expanded perforator flaps in the reconstruction of large defects. Methods From October 2018 to October 2019, there were 22 patients undergoing facial and cervical reconstructive surgeries based on pre-expanded perforator flaps in the back region in Shanghai Ninth Peoples′ Hospital. 12 male and 10 female patients, ranging from 4 to 26 years old with an average age of 19, were all suffered from inferior facial and cervical defects after burns. Single-pedicled or multi-pedicled perforator flaps from back region were designed for treatment. ICGA was conducted after flap dissection intra-operatively to evaluate perfusion areas of perforators, which helped surgeons to determine whether supercharging should be conducted. After flap transplantation, ICGA was conducted again to evaluate the blood supply. Statistics of post-operative complications such as flap necrosis were collected. Results the average flap size was 27 cm ×17 cm. With the guidance of ICGA, 15 cases remained the design of single pedicle including 5 superficial cervical artery (SCA) flaps and 10 free circumflex scapular artery (CSA) perforator flaps. Supercharging was performed in 7 cases: including 2 SCA flaps supercharged with CSA perforator and 5 free CSA perforator flaps supercharged with thoracodorsal artery (TDA) perforator. Venous thrombus occurred in 1 case but recovered after re-anastomosis of vessels. Except for 2 tip necroses, 20 flaps survived completely one week postoperatively. 2 tip necroses were recovered after dressing changes. All the patients were followed up for 5 to 16 months, with good flap color and texture, and improved function of head and neck. Conclusions ICGA can be used as a safe and effective intraoperative detection method to guide the selection of appropriate perforators and the decisions on whether to conduct supercharging, which optimizes flap design and improves the success of surgery. Key words: Indocyanine green; Perforator flap; Tissue expansion