[Application of preoperative vascular localization techniques for perforator flaps]

With the development of microvascular technology, perforator flaps have gradually become a good alternative for reconstruction of tissue defects. However, the major limitations of perforator flaps include uncertainty in predicting anatomical location of perforators and high variability in perforator size and course, which require preoperative localization techniques. Recently, as one of the preoperative localization techniques, computed tomography angiography was used to determine the number, size, course, and exact emerging point of perforator flaps. Clinicians can reduce surgical complications and shorten operative time by using computed tomography angiography. However, only several studies reported clinical applications of computed tomography angiography. This article reviews characteristics, classification, and preoperative location techniques for perforator flaps and its problems.