CTICasesRetained Doppler Flow Monitor Wire in Breast Reconstruction Flap
Imaging findings
CT and chest radiograph in a patient with prior breast reconstruction via deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap demonstrate an unexpected curvilinear metallic wire within the right hemithorax adjacent to the internal mammary artery anastomosis, representing a retained implantable Doppler flow monitoring wire left in situ after the flap procedure.
Key takeaways
Implantable Doppler flow monitoring wires are used after free tissue flap reconstruction to detect early vascular compromise; they are inserted at the time of surgery and should be removed once vascular patency is confirmed. A retained Doppler wire may present incidentally on chest radiography or CT. The diagnosis requires clinical correlation and consultation with the performing surgical team, as the wire may not be recognized by radiologists unfamiliar with this device.
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