Authors:	Thiem, Daniel G. E. Römer, Paul Blatt, Sebastian Al-Nawas, Bilal Kämmerer, Peer W.
Title:	New approach to the old challenge of free flap monitoring : hyperspectral imaging outperforms clinical assessment by earlier detection of perfusion failure
Online publication date:	17-Jan-2022
Year of first publication:	2021
Language:	english
Abstract:	In reconstructive surgery, free flap failure, especially in complex osteocutaneous reconstructions, represents a significant clinical burden. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to assess hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for monitoring of free flaps compared to clinical monitoring. In a prospective, non-randomized clinical study, patients with free flap reconstruction of the oro-maxillofacial-complex were included. Monitoring was assessed clinically and by using hyperspectral imaging (TIVITA™ Tissue-System, DiaspectiveVision GmbH, Pepelow, Germany) to determine tissue-oxygen-saturation [StO2], near-infrared-perfusion-index [NPI], distribution of haemoglobin [THI] and water [TWI], and variance to an adjacent reference area (Δreference). A total of 54 primary and 11 secondary reconstructions were performed including fasciocutaneous and osteocutaneous flaps. Re-exploration was performed in 19 cases. A total of seven complete flap failures occurred, resulting in a 63% salvage rate. Mean time from flap inset to decision making for re-exploration based on clinical assessment was 23.1 ± 21.9 vs. 18.2 ± 19.4 h by the appearance of hyperspectral criteria indicating impaired perfusion (StO2 ≤ 32% OR StO2Δreference > −38% OR NPI ≤ 32.9 OR NPIΔreference ≥ −13.4%) resulting in a difference of 4.8 ± 5 h (p < 0.001). HSI seems able to detect perfusion compromise significantly earlier than clinical monitoring. These findings provide an interpretation aid for clinicians to simplify postoperative flap monitoring.
DDC:	610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-6700
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Journal of Personalized Medicine 11 11
Pages or article number:	1101
Publisher:	MDPI
Publisher place:	Basel
Issue date:	2021
ISSN:	2075-4426
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11111101
Publisher DOI:	10.3390/jpm11111101
Appears in collections:	JGU-Publikationen