Summary: Autologous breast reconstruction using the deep inferior epigastric perforator flap has been established as the standard for perforator-based free-flap breast reconstruction. This technique relies on the surgeon’s ability to identify the patient’s relevant abdominal vasculature to facilitate accurate dissection, optimize surgical outcomes, and minimize morbidity. A technique is described in which the authors incorporate augmented reality using HoloLens technology in their surgical planning to identify epigastric arteries and perforators. This technology allows the surgeon to superimpose computed tomography angiography images directly onto the patient, facilitating an in vivo appreciation of underlying anatomy before incision and dissection. This allows real-time surgical planning, increasing the value and tangibility of preoperative computed tomography angiography with the potential to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the operative technique. Although the authors did not use the HoloLens technology to make clinical decisions, they provide evidence of its accuracy and ease of use, offering a proof of concept. The potential of this technology is demonstrated, and the authors encourage future application in free-flap breast reconstruction and beyond.

Scarring from previous open abdominal surgery in patients undergoing autologous deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) breast reconstruction has been reported to increase overall flap and donor site complication rates. The evidence to date demonstrates that it can be performed safely although with significantly higher postoperative donor site morbidity. It would seem logical that minimal access laparoscopic surgery is less likely to be associated with increased risks to flap vascularity or donor-site complications; however, there is little evidence available in the literature about the impact of previous laparoscopic surgery to the DIEP harvest site. The typical positions for port placement in standard laparoscopic procedures are usually distant from ideal perforator locations reducing the risk of perforator damage. We present a case of unilateral isolated injury to the proximal deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) following previous laparoscopic abdominal surgery in a patient undergoing bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction with bilateral free DIEP flaps.