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Detection of Perforators Using Smartphone Thermal Imaging.
Joseph T Hardwicke1, Omer Osmani, Joanna M Skillman
1Warwickshire, Coventry, and Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom From the Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals of Coventry; and the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 29, 2015
Summary
This study shows that the affordable FLIR ONE thermal camera can effectively detect perforators, define perforasomes, and monitor free flaps. This low-cost tool aids in planning, executing, and monitoring plastic surgery procedures.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Thermal imaging uses infrared radiation to create thermograms, serving as a marker for cutaneous blood flow.
- High-resolution thermal cameras are traditionally expensive, limiting accessibility.
- The FLIR ONE offers a low-cost, smartphone-compatible alternative for thermal imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the FLIR ONE thermal camera in plastic surgery.
- To assess its capabilities in detecting perforators, defining perforasomes, and monitoring free flaps.
- To explore its potential as a low-cost adjunct in burns and plastic surgery.
Main Methods:
- A proof-of-concept study involving patients and healthy volunteers.
- Assessment using the FLIR ONE smartphone-compatible thermal imaging camera.
- Application in detecting and mapping perforators, defining perforasomes, and monitoring free flaps.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability of the FLIR ONE to detect and map perforators.
- Showcased its effectiveness in defining perforasomes.
- Validated its use in monitoring free flaps through preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative thermograms.
Conclusions:
- The FLIR ONE is a viable low-cost tool for thermal imaging in plastic surgery.
- Thermograms generated by the FLIR ONE can assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of free flaps.
- This technology has potential applications beyond free flaps in areas like burns and reconstructive surgery.
