Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2025
The Superficial Inferior Epigastric Artery Axial Flap to Study Ischemic Preconditioning Effects in a Rat Model
Published on: January 27, 2023
Use of laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography to optimize supraclavicular flap perfusion
Gregory Nicolas1, Rafael Tutihashi2, Fabio de Freitas Busnardo2
1Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital Das Clinicas of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil; IJCR Central, DE, USA.
Introduction:
The supraclavicular flap (SCF) is pliable and suited for various reconstructions but faces drawbacks like distal flap necrosis and size constraints. This study assesses SCF perfusion using laser-assisted angiography and SPY-Q software, marking the first to describe the analysis achievable with indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in SCF reconstructions. We hypothesized that SPY-Q can enhance surgical precision and improve SCF design for head and neck reconstruction.
Methods:
Thirteen patients underwent SCF reconstructions. Laser-assisted ICG angiography and SPY-Q software analyzed images at key stages. Follow-up recorded flap dimensions, perfusion, and complications.
Results:
SPY-Q effectively predicted complications. Patients with distal flap perfusion >36% had complication-free recoveries, while those with <27% faced higher risks.
Conclusion:
Integrating SCF with laser-assisted ICG angiography enhances reconstructive surgery by real-time perfusion assessment, reducing complications, and optimizing tissue viability.
