Computerized tomographic and magnetic resonance angiography for perforator-based free flaps: technical considerations

Perforator-based free flaps rely on the appropriate dominant vessel supplying the vascular territory of the flap. Preoperative knowledge of the vascular anatomy can improve outcome and diminish surgical time. Several preoperative imaging techniques exist for surgical planning. Computed tomographic and magnetic resonance angiography are two emerging modalities that provide exceptional anatomic detail. Despite the growing utilization of cross-sectional imaging for preoperative planning, each modality has specific technical considerations that are necessary to consider in order to produce a quality study.