Dynamic perfusion assessment during perforator flap surgery: an up-to-date

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Technology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Flap monitoring technology has advanced with complex perforator flap designs.
• Current clinical assessment of flap perfusion is often variable and misleading.
• Inadequate intraoperative assessment of flap perfusion can lead to significant complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare two widely accepted intraoperative flap evaluation systems.
• To highlight the benefits of dynamic perfusion imaging in flap reconstruction.
• To provide plastic surgeons with information on current flap monitoring technologies.

Main Methods:

• Review of Indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) systems.
• Review of dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) systems.
• Comparison of ICGA and DIRT for intraoperative flap assessment.

Main Results:

• Dynamic perfusion imaging reduces complication rates.
• Improved flap viability assessment leads to better patient outcomes.
• Shorter hospital stays and reduced morbidity are associated with advanced monitoring.

Conclusions:

• ICGA and DIRT are valuable tools for real-time intraoperative flap evaluation.
• These technologies offer superior accuracy compared to traditional clinical assessment.
• Implementing advanced flap monitoring enhances surgical success and patient safety.