OBJECTIVETo investigate the effectiveness of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound (MEUS) for detecting perforators preoperatively in supraclavicular flap surgery.

METHODSFrom May 2009 to October 2013, there were 20 patients (26 flaps were involved) who planned to undergo supraclavicular artery based flap surgeries to recover the large-area defects in head and neck. The MEUS together with regular color Doppler ultrasound ( CDUS) were conducted preoperatively to determine the anatomical features of perforators branching from supraclavicular arteries (SCA). The perforator with wider caliber, faster flow speed, longer pedicles and closer pivot point was selected and the flap was designed according to the observed results.

RESULTSThere were 37 perforators of SCA detected by CDUS, whose calibers were ranging from 0.5 to 0.8 mm [Mean: (0.6 ± 0.1) mm]. There were 48 perforators of SCA detected by MEUS. Compared to CDUS, the caliber obtained from MEUS for same vessel is significantly increased [(0.7 ± 0.3) mm vs (0.6 ± 0.1) mm, P < 0.05]. According to the results of MEUS and three-dimensional reconstructive techniques, in at least 65.4% (17/26) of the flaps, thoracic branch of SCA (TBSA) has large caliber and good flow velocity which can be regarded as the predominant vessel and used as the pedicle of flap. The results of the operations confirmed the existences of all the marked vessels. 25 flaps were obtained according to the preoperative plans and one case used perforators of internal mammary artery as free flaps since the perforator of SCA was found improper. The contrast-related complication occurred in one patient which was manifested by gastrointestinal adverse effect like nausea and anorexia. The patient recovered 1 day later without treatment. All the patients have been followed up for 3 to 16 months (Mean: 8 months) with well-survived flaps.

CONCLUSIONSThe perforators of SCA demonstrated significant variations and preoperative mapping was vital for the success of surgery. MEUS is a valuable imaging modality for the preoperative assessment of the vascular supply for supraclavicular artery based flap.