Portable duplex ultrasonography: A diagnostic and decision-making tool in reconstructive microsurgery

Area of Science:

• Reconstructive Microsurgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Unidirectional Doppler is a common diagnostic tool for reconstructive microsurgeons.
• It can generate false signals and provides limited imaging data compared to duplex ultrasonography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of Portable Duplex Ultrasonography (PDU) in the design and management of free tissue transfer.
• To compare PDU with unidirectional Doppler in complex soft-tissue/bone reconstruction cases.

Main Methods:

• A review of PDU use in 16 patients undergoing complex soft-tissue/bone reconstruction.
• Analysis of modifications to surgical plans and patient management based on PDU findings.

Main Results:

• PDU led to modifications in surgical plans and/or patient management in 62.5% of cases.
• Ultrasound use prompted subtle modifications in 19% and significant surgical plan changes in 25% of patients.
• Postoperative management was significantly improved in 19% of patients, with an overall significant impact on treatment in 44% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Portable Duplex Ultrasonography (PDU) provides valuable preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative diagnostic information.
• PDU can significantly impact decision-making and patient treatment in free tissue transfer.
• PDU has the potential to replace unidirectional Doppler in reconstructive microsurgery.