Fluorescence Angiography in the Assessment of DIEP Flap Perfusion

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography in the Assessment of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator (DIEP) Flap Perfusion

It is a single-center, prospective, randomized and controlled study focused in microsurgical autologous breast reconstruction. It involves applying indocyanine green (ICG) angiography for the study of the vascularization of DIEP flaps. The aim of the study is to determine whether there are differences in complications and aesthetic results when ICG is used to discard the poorly vascularized areas of the flap. The study includes adult women undergoing unilateral DIEP flap breast reconstruction. The calculated sample size is 60 patients. There are two groups. In group 1, the investigators use the usual clinical criteria to discard the poorly vascularized areas of the flap. In group 2, the investigators use the ICG to shape the flap.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mastectomized adult female patient
• Abdominal flap unilateral breast reconstruction indication
• Alloplastic breast reconstruction sequelae
• Enough amount of abdominal dermofat tissue to shape a breast with a primary closure of the donor site

Exclusion Criteria:

• DIEP flap bilateral breast reconstruction indication
• Previous abdominoplasty surgery
• Untreated psychiatric disease
• Untreated infection
• Indocyanine green or iodine hypersensitivity
• Hyperthyroidism, thyroid adenoma or thyroid autonomy
• Any concomitant disease or condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, can make the patient unsuitable to receive a microsurgical technique or to join the research.