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Simple Evaluation Method of Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery and its Perforators Using a Three-Dimensional Computer
Haruno Furutani1, Motoi Kato1, Eimii Nagumo1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Viewtify® software provides accurate and simple preoperative vascular assessment for perforator flap surgery. This tool is effective even for surgeons new to the technique, showing a quick learning curve.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Surgical Planning
Background:
- Preoperative vascular assessment is crucial for perforator flap elevation.
- Existing methods can be time-consuming and require specialized expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy and simplicity of Viewtify®, a novel preoperative vascular assessment method.
- To compare Viewtify® with a conventional method using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images.
Main Methods:
- Contrast-enhanced CT images from 20 female patients undergoing deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) perforator flap reconstruction were analyzed.
- A surgical resident, new to the software, used Viewtify® to assess DIEA course and perforator positions.
- The assessment time and accuracy (DIEA deviation, perforator position) were compared to a reference method created by a specialist.
Main Results:
- Viewtify® demonstrated accurate assessment with minimal deviation in DIEA pathway (7.4 ± 3.2 mm) and matching perforator positions.
- Evaluation times were significantly reduced, averaging approximately 8 minutes.
- The resident showed a rapid learning curve with the Viewtify® software.
Conclusions:
- Viewtify® offers an accurate and efficient tool for preoperative vascular assessment in perforator flap surgery.
- The software is user-friendly, even for inexperienced surgeons, facilitating surgical planning.
- Viewtify® presents a viable alternative for optimizing perforator flap elevation procedures.
