Three-dimensional visualization of thoracodorsal artery perforators using photoacoustic imaging

Abstract

Introduction: Diagnostic imaging modalities to evaluate the three-dimensional distribution of thoracodorsal artery perforators (TDAPs) are lacking. In this study, TDAPs were visualized and characterized using photoacoustic imaging. Material and methods: In this study, 34 sites in the lateral chest wall of 18 individuals were analyzed. The region extending 5 cm ventral and 5 cm dorsal to the lateral edge of the latissimus dorsi (LD) and 5–15 cm from the posterior axillary fold was scanned using photoacoustic imaging. The largest perforator closest to the edge of the LD was characterized. The location of the stem portion and the orientation of the longest cutaneous branch of the perforator were described. The relationship between the maximal depth of delineation on photoacoustic images and the depth of the deep fascia was assessed. Results: On average, 2.6 perforators (range, 1–5 perforators) were visualized in the region of interest. The distribution of the TDAP stem portion was similar to that in previous studies. Cutaneous branches were preferentially oriented in a medial-caudal direction. The length of delineated cutaneous branches varied (range, 7–78 mm) depending on the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. Vessels under the LD were observed when the subcutaneous layer was thin. Conclusion: Photoacoustic imaging can successfully visualize TDAPs in three dimensions. Visualization of TDAPs varied by the thickness of the subcutaneous layer. A thin deep fascia of the LD might be a cause of deep laser penetration.