The Doppler probe for planning flaps: anatomical study and clinical applications.

The Doppler probe was used to identify the dominant cutaneous perforating arteries in a series of 10 patients. The results were compared with our previous total body fresh cadaver anatomical studies and a close correlation was found. The instrument was used in a series of patients to plan the base, the axis and the dimensions of skin flaps for local, distant and free transfer. A dominant perforator was located at the base of the flap, the surrounding skin was scanned to identify the next dominant perforator in each direction and the appropriate axis was chosen by drawing a line between two nominated perforators. Often the flap was based distally or its axis departed from the main course of the supplying vessel. The technique proved to be simple and reliable and in many cases flaps of unusual dimensions and directions were transferred successfully. The instrument provides a useful link between the anatomical dissecting room and the operating theatre.