DUG Flap Breast Reconstruction Procedure

based on observation of the procedure at René Remie Surgical Skills Center

Project: A procedural medical illustration developed to communicate the key stages of DUG flap breast reconstruction surgery. Based on direct observation at Maastricht UMC+, the project translates a complex reconstructive surgical procedure into a clear educational workflow combining anatomy, surgical sequencing, and operative detail.

Communication need:

Reconstructive procedures involve complex anatomical relationships and multi-step surgical workflows that can be difficult to communicate through text alone. This project aimed to clearly visualize the DUG flap procedure, including flap dissection, vascular anatomy, and tissue transfer, in a format that supports surgical understanding and education.

Audience:

The primary audience includes surgical trainees, medical students, and healthcare professionals involved in reconstructive surgery. The illustrations were designed to support procedural learning while maintaining anatomical and surgical accuracy.

Visual Solution:

I developed a step-by-step procedural illustration based on direct observation of surgery at Maastricht UMC+. The design combines full-body anatomical context with sequential close-up surgical panels, labeled vascular anatomy, and operative instrument interaction to clearly communicate flap harvest and dissection throughout the procedure.

Outcome:

The final illustration functions as an educational and procedural communication resource for reconstructive surgery. It demonstrates the ability to translate complex surgical anatomy and operative workflows into clear, structured visual explanations that support medical education and surgical communication.