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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

An Experimental Human DIEP Flap Model to Investigate Preservation Strategies for Vascularized Composite Allografts and Free Flaps
Published on: December 5, 2025
Computed Tomographic Angiography-guided Zero-CO2 Endoscopic Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap for Salvage Breast
Tuan Anh Bui1,2, Quang Vinh Vu2, Thanh Tuan Hoang3
1From the Department of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery, Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Abstract:
Total loss of a free deep inferior epigastric perforator flap is a devastating complication in autologous breast reconstruction, particularly in low-body mass index Asian patients with limited salvage options. A reliable pedicled alternative that minimizes donor-site morbidity is therefore essential. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman who developed complete deep inferior epigastric perforator flap necrosis and was successfully salvaged using a computed tomographic angiography-guided endoscopic thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flap based on the lateral thoracodorsal artery. Through a single 8-cm posterior axillary incision, the TDAP pedicle was skeletonized endoscopically with minimal muscle harvest and without gas insufflation. The flap survived completely without seroma or shoulder dysfunction, and the donor-site scar was inconspicuous at 6-month follow-up. This case demonstrates that computed tomographic angiography-guided endoscopic TDAP flap harvest without CO2 insufflation is a practical, low-morbidity salvage option after microsurgical failure and is particularly suitable for Asian centers with limited access to standard insufflation equipment.
