Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) has been used to locate perforating vessels and to assist in reconstructive breast surgery. Qualitative information on the perforating vessels is obtained by analysing the rate and pattern of rewarming of hot spots which are easily registered with an infrared camera. Thermal measurements are made before and during surgery and are compared with the CT-images available before operation. The thermal images can provide the individual influence of each perforator on the flap, as well as the dimensions of the perfused area. We will investigate if the influence of the different dominant perforators can be assessed by dynamic infrared thermography as a useful tool for recostructive DIEP-flap surgery.
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