CTA before a Diep Flap?
Doctor Answers 4
There are many DIEP surgeons who do not need to get a CTA beforehand as it is the dissection during the actual surgery that will determine whether you can have the DIEP or not. This includes the vessels in the abdomen and the vessels in the chest. The CTA is only a roadmap and that map can look very different when you are looking at the actual vessels. I have done this procedure without the CTA and it will depend on the comfort level of your surgeon to do so. You have had abdominal surgeries and this may be a reason why the CTA was ordered to make sure that the DIEP vessels have not been damaged. The DIEP is the gold standard in breast reconstruction for a patient who has had radiation as implants alone have a high complication rate. Other options are the TRAM or Latissimus flaps but both procedures sacrifice muscles. When I discuss options with my patients I will tell them if I find during surgery that the DIEP cannot be performed then would they want to have a TRAM which means sacrificing muscle and can cause you problems in function. This is something you need to discuss with your PS. Best wishes.
There are many DIEP surgeons who do not need to get a CTA beforehand as it is the dissection during the actual surgery that will determine whether you can have the DIEP or not. This includes the vessels in the abdomen and the vessels in the chest. The CTA is only a roadmap and that map can look very different when you are looking at the actual vessels. I have done this procedure without the CTA and it will depend on the comfort level of your surgeon to do so. You have had abdominal surgeries and this may be a reason why the CTA was ordered to make sure that the DIEP vessels have not been damaged. The DIEP is the gold standard in breast reconstruction for a patient who has had radiation as implants alone have a high complication rate. Other options are the TRAM or Latissimus flaps but both procedures sacrifice muscles. When I discuss options with my patients I will tell them if I find during surgery that the DIEP cannot be performed then would they want to have a TRAM which means sacrificing muscle and can cause you problems in function. This is something you need to discuss with your PS. Best wishes.
Thanks for your question.
CT angiograms are helpful in planning the surgery, especially in your case with multiple previous abdominal operations. If a CTA is not obtainable, I would recommend an MRA or Doppler imaging of the abdominal wall.
Thanks for your question.
CT angiograms are helpful in planning the surgery, especially in your case with multiple previous abdominal operations. If a CTA is not obtainable, I would recommend an MRA or Doppler imaging of the abdominal wall.
Your surgeon wants the study to map out the vessels in you flap so that he can determine what vessels would be appropriate. Best of luck.
Web reference: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/breast-reconstruction/
Your surgeon wants the study to map out the vessels in you flap so that he can determine what vessels would be appropriate. Best of luck.
Learn more: https://www.stevenwallachmd.com/breast/breast-reconstruction/
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Thank you for asking this important question.
It is essential part of pre op planning for Breast reconstruction to obtain imaging study which maps your DIEP flap blood vessel for the surgeon (like a GPS guide for Driving :)
This used to be done by CTA( CT angiogram) until recently. However, more patients and surgeons are seeking MRA( M.R. Angiogram ) instead, especially after the N.Y. Times article was published describing the potential concerns of CT scans. Most of breast reconstruction dedicated Centers are able to offer "MRA-perforartor mapping study" . The advantage of MRA is that it does not expose you to ionizing radiation. Both MRA and CTA requires IV contrast injection and ALL patients should be able to Have IV access for the scan.
Some of the useful tricks are:
You can drink plenty of water ( or your favorite Drink) and hydrate yourself up to 4 hours before the procedure (But you have to stop 4 hours before the procedure - nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before the scan).
On your way to the test (and while you are waiting for the study) exercise your arm/elbow/hand to increase circulation.
Keep your arm/hand warm. ( to "dilate" the Vein)
Just before the medical professional puts the IV, ask if they can gently tap on the skin over the vein ( a few times ) to "plump up" your vein while you make a tight fist during the IV.
You can also request for a most experienced "senior member" of the IV -TEAM /RN /MD- for the difficult IV access in advance (tell them to make a note of this when you confirm your appointment - that you are a challenging IV access patient due to your history )
Of course, Seek advice from your Reconstructive surgeon re all aspects of your care.
Wishing you a successful Scan and Reconstruction !
Thank you for asking this important question.
It is essential part of pre op planning for Breast reconstruction to obtain imaging study which maps your DIEP flap blood vessel for the surgeon (like a GPS guide for Driving :)
This used to be done by CTA( CT angiogram) until recently. However, more patients and surgeons are seeking MRA( M.R. Angiogram ) instead, especially after the N.Y. Times article was published describing the potential concerns of CT scans. Most of breast reconstruction dedicated Centers are able to offer "MRA-perforartor mapping study" . The advantage of MRA is that it does not expose you to ionizing radiation. Both MRA and CTA requires IV contrast injection and ALL patients should be able to Have IV access for the scan.
Some of the useful tricks are:
You can drink plenty of water ( or your favorite Drink) and hydrate yourself up to 4 hours before the procedure (But you have to stop 4 hours before the procedure - nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before the scan).
On your way to the test (and while you are waiting for the study) exercise your arm/elbow/hand to increase circulation.
Keep your arm/hand warm. ( to "dilate" the Vein)
Just before the medical professional puts the IV, ask if they can gently tap on the skin over the vein ( a few times ) to "plump up" your vein while you make a tight fist during the IV.
You can also request for a most experienced "senior member" of the IV -TEAM /RN /MD- for the difficult IV access in advance (tell them to make a note of this when you confirm your appointment - that you are a challenging IV access patient due to your history )
Of course, Seek advice from your Reconstructive surgeon re all aspects of your care.
Wishing you a successful Scan and Reconstruction !
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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