Application of CT angiography for detecting perforator vessels in the anterolateral thigh flap surgery

: Objective:To investigate the effectiveness of CT angiography for detecting perforator vessels in the anterolateral thigh flap surgery.Method:Eight patients with oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects were repaired with the anterolateral thigh flap. Preoperative CT angiography was conducted to detect perforator vessels. The perforator vessel with large diameter, abundant blood flow, and long pedicle was selected to design the flap.Result:The position of perforator vessels during operation were completely consistent with those detected by CT angiography. The anterolateral thigh flap for 8 cases tally survived.One case had the vascular crisis，which was survived after surgical exploration. The flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 6 cm×4 cm in size. Donor recipient site was not severe complications.Conclusion: CT angiography can be used to locate the perforator vessels preoperatively and accurately，which is beneficial for surgeons to design the flap and reduce surgical complications. The anterolateral thigh flap is an effective method of repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects.