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. 2015 Apr 7;3(3):e316.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000000288. eCollection 2015 Mar.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Using 3-dimensional Surface Imaging and a Printed Mold

Koichi Tomita  1 , Kenji Yano  1 , Yuki Hata  1 , Akimitsu Nishibayashi  1 , Ko Hosokawa  1
Affiliations

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Using 3-dimensional Surface Imaging and a Printed Mold

Koichi Tomita et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

Recent advances in 3-dimensional (3D) surface imaging technologies allow for digital quantification of complex breast tissue. We performed 11 unilateral breast reconstructions with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flaps (5 immediate, 6 delayed) using 3D surface imaging for easier surgery planning and 3D-printed molds for shaping the breast neoparenchyma. A single- or double-pedicle flap was preoperatively planned according to the estimated tissue volume required and estimated total flap volume. The DIEP flap was then intraoperatively shaped with a 3D-printed mold that was based on a horizontally inverted shape of the contralateral breast. Cosmetic outcomes were assessed as satisfactory, as confirmed by the postoperative 3D measurements of bilateral breasts. We believe that DIEP flap reconstruction assisted with 3D surface imaging and a 3D-printed mold is a simple and quick method for rebuilding a symmetric breast.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. The Article Processing Charge was paid for by a grant from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (25462789).

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Workflow images of DIEP flap breast reconstruction assisted with 3D surface imaging. A, Required flap volume was estimated from bilateral breast images using 3D image data analysis software. B and C, Total flap volume was estimated using the formula shown, and flap type was determined preoperatively. D, Contralateral breast shape was horizontally inverted, and an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer breast mold was created using a personal 3D printer. E, After vascular anastomosis, the de-epithelialized flap was placed in the mold and fixed to shape a symmetric breast.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
A 56-year-old woman (patient 6) underwent total mastectomy of the left breast. One year later, she underwent 2-stage delayed reconstruction with a DIEP flap. The preoperative (A) and 4-month postoperative (B) views are shown.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
A 41-year-old woman (patient 11) underwent total mastectomy of the left breast. Three years later, she underwent 2-stage delayed reconstruction with a DIEP flap. The preoperative (A) and 3-month postoperative (B) views are shown.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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