Free flap monitoring using an implantable anastomotic venous flow coupler: Analysis of 119 consecutive abdominal-based free flaps for breast reconstruction

Microsurgery ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 337-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve J. Kempton ◽  
Samuel O. Poore ◽  
Jenny T. Chen ◽  
Ahmed M. Afifi
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Venous Flow ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Flap Monitoring

Changes to Venous Flow Coupler Signal during DIEP Flap Inset Can Be Predictive of Poor Clinical Outcomes in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (06) ◽  
pp. 466-470 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salih Colakoglu ◽  
Ariel Johnson ◽  
Jaclyn Anderson ◽  
David Woodbridge Mathes ◽  
Tae Woon Chong
Keyword(s):  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Diep Flap ◽  
Signal Loss ◽  
Venous Anastomosis ◽  
Venous Flow ◽  
Venous Signal

Abstract Background Venous flow couplers are typically used to monitor free flaps during the postoperative period, with a continuous venous signal available immediately after completion of the anastomosis. Intraoperative loss of the coupler signal is not uncommon and may require adjustments in free flap inset and even flap thickness to get the venous signal to return. The effects of intraoperative coupler signal loss and the role of this technology on flap outcomes have not been evaluated. We hypothesized that the use of intraoperative coupler can be protective of both early and late flap complications by preventing unfavorable flap insets. Patients and Methods All patients who underwent free flap breast reconstruction between January 2018 and June 2019 by single microsurgery team were included. Flap inset and inset changes based on flow coupler signal problems were reviewed in the procedure notes. Patient demographics data and clinical outcomes were analyzed with comprehensive chart review. Results Forty-four consecutive patients with 69 free flaps were identified. There were no significant differences in patient characteristics or venous coupler size used in venous anastomosis. Although the number of operating room take backs for venous insufficiency was not significantly different between two groups, the free flaps with inset change had significantly higher complications that required later surgical intervention (p = 0.0464). Conclusion Surgeons should be aware that intraoperative coupler signal loss can be associated with poor clinical outcomes postoperatively and these flaps may require more perfusion imaging, flap debulking, or even additional venous anastomosis.

Free Flap Monitoring, Salvage, and Failure Timing: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Y. Shen ◽  
Sarah Lonie ◽  
Kaiyang Lim ◽  
Hannah Farthing ◽  
David J. Hunter-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Reliable Technique ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Vascular Compromise ◽  
Flap Monitoring ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Background Microsurgical free tissue transfer has become a reliable technique with success rates around 99% and around 5% requiring exploration for vascular compromise. Protocols for flap monitoring between plastic surgery units vary. We aimed to elucidate the time period when monitoring is crucial for flap salvage. Methods A systematic search of literature was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Scopus databases from 1966 to July 2018 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, identifying 3,844 studies with mention of free flap and monitoring or timing or salvage or compromise. Studies were screened for relevance according to predetermined inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from included studies relating to flap type, monitoring, timing and reason for failure, and success of salvage intervention. Results A total of 109 studies featuring 44,031 free flaps were included. A total of 2,549 (5.8%) flaps required return to theater for compromise; 926 (2.1%) were lost and 1,654 (3.7%) were salvaged. In the first 24 hours postoperatively 93.8% of explored flaps are successfully salvaged, by day 2: 83.33%, day 3: 12.1%, and beyond day 4: none were successful. Of the 355 flaps where the cause of failure was reported, 59.5% was venous, 27.9% was arterial, 2.3% was a combination of both, and 10.2% was hematoma or infection. The proportion of flap failures at various recipient sites was highest in the trunk/viscera (7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.00, 0.36), followed by limbs (5%, 95% CI 0.02, 0.08), head and neck (3%, 95% CI 0.02, 0.04), and breast (<1%; 95% CI 0.00, 0.02). Conclusion Close flap monitoring is of most value in the first 48 hours postoperatively, facilitating rapid detection of vascular compromise, early salvage, and better outcomes. The location of the flap has implications on its success and certain recipient sites may need particular attention to improve chances of success.

scholarly journals New Approach to the Old Challenge of Free Flap Monitoring—Hyperspectral Imaging Outperforms Clinical Assessment by Earlier Detection of Perfusion Failure

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1101
Author(s):  
Daniel G. E. Thiem ◽  
Paul Römer ◽  
Sebastian Blatt ◽  
Bilal Al-Nawas ◽  
Peer W. Kämmerer
Keyword(s):  
Hyperspectral Imaging ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Clinical Assessment ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Clinical Monitoring ◽  
Tissue Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Randomized Clinical Study ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Flap Monitoring

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 (Dreference). 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 StO2Dreference > −38% OR NPI ≤ 32.9 OR NPIDreference ≥ −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.

scholarly journals Noninvasive Free Flap Monitoring Using Eulerian Video Magnification

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Fang Liu ◽  
Christopher Vuong ◽  
Paul Charles Walker ◽  
Nathaniel Ray Peterson ◽  
Jared Christian Inman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Operating Room ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Latissimus Dorsi ◽  
Color Change ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Naked Eye ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Flap Monitoring

Eulerian Video Magnification (EVM) can enhance subtle changes in videos to reveal what was once invisible to the naked eye. In this proof of concept study, we investigated using EVM as a novel form of free flap monitoring. Free flaps with skin paddles were filmed in the operating room with manipulation of their pedicles. In a representative 77-year-old female who received a latissimus dorsi-serratus-rib composite free flap, EVM was able to detect blockage of arterial or venous supply instantaneously, providing a visible representation through degree of color change in videos. EVM has the potential to serve as a powerful free flap monitoring tool with the benefit of being noninvasive, sensitive, easy-to-use, and nearly cost-free.

scholarly journals Protocolo de avaliação clínica baseado em escore objetivo como preditor de sucesso de retalhos livres e reimplantes

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Ruiz de Andrade ◽  
Rafael Barra Caiado Fleury ◽  
Aleixo Abreu Tanure ◽  
Lauro Toffolo ◽  
Luis Guilherme Rosifini Alves Rezende ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Free Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flaps ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Statistical Computing ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Tissue Transfer ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Flap Monitoring

Os retalhos microcirúrgicos e reimplantes necessitam de cuidados específicos que devem ser realizados pelo cirurgião desde o momento da sua indicação, até os dias subsequentes à cirurgia. O trabalho em questão abordou à validação do protocolo utilizado pela equipe de um hospital terciário, desde o ano 2016. Os parâmetros clínicos (temperatura, cor, turgor, tempo de enchimento capilar e sangramento à perfuração) geraram um Escore que pode ser capaz de guiar a decisão do profissional, quanto à necessidade de uma reabordagem cirúrgica no período pós-operatório. Foram revisadas 55 tabelas de escores pós-cirúrgicos e correlacionados o escore obtido pelo paciente e o prognóstico da cirurgia, com o objetivo de definir valores de corte estatisticamente significativos para predição do sucesso da mesma, visando compreender à validade do protocolo em guiar a tomada de condutas. Foram determinados os valores de escores de 1 a 8 que definiram o grupo sem necessidade da intervenção cirúrgica; e aqueles superiores a 8 definiram o paciente com um risco de falha da cirurgia e necessidade da intervenção cirúrgica. Por não necessitar de procedimentos invasivos e exames de alta complexidade, o protocolo proposto torna-se uma eficiente ferramenta no diagnóstico precoce de um possível sofrimento vascular do procedimento microcirúrgico.Descritores: Retalhos Cirúrgicos; Reimplante; Microcirurgia; Protocolo Clínico; Cuidados Pós-Operatórios; Exames Médicos.ReferênciasRoehl KR, Mahabir RC. A practical guide to free tissue transfer. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;132(1):147-58.Bui DT, Cordeiro PG, Hu QY, Disa JJ, Pusic A, Mehrara BJ. Free flap reexploration: indications, treatment, and outcomes in 1193 free flaps. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007;119(7):2092-100.Saint-Cyr M, Wong C, Buchel EW. Free tissue transfers and replantation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;130(6):858-78.Salgado CJ, Moran SL, Mardini S. Flap monitoring and patient management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;124(6 Suppl):295-302.Cervenka B, Bewley AF. Free flap monitoring: a review of the recent literature. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015;23(5):393-98.Korompilias AV, Lykissas MG, Vekris MD, Beris AE, Soucacos PN. Microsurgery for lower extremity injuries. Injury. 2008;39(Suppl):S103-8.R Core Team. R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria, 2017. Disponível em: https://www.R-project.org/. Acesso em: 01 jan 2019.Bigdeli AK, Gazyakan E, Schmidt VJ. Long-term outcome after successful lower extremity free flap salvage. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2018;1:1-82.Chae MP, Rozen WM, Whitaker IS. Current evidence for postoperative monitoring of microvascular free flaps: a systematic review. Ann Plast Surg. 2015;74(5):621-32.Hidalgo DA, Jones CS. The role of emergent exploration in free-tissue transfer: a review of 150 consecutive cases. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(3):499-501.Giunta R, Geisweid A, Feller AM. Clinical classification of free-flap perfusion complications. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2001;17(5):341-45.

Review of Flap Monitoring Technology in 2020

2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (06) ◽  
pp. 722-726
Author(s):  
Adam Jacobson ◽  
Oriana Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Loss Rate ◽  
Early Recognition ◽  
Postoperative Patient ◽  
Free Flap Monitoring ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Vascular Compromise ◽  
Flap Monitoring ◽  
Multiple Levels

AbstractAdvances in free flap reconstruction of complex head and neck defects have allowed for improved outcomes in the management of head and neck cancer. Technical refinements have decreased flap loss rate to less than 4%. However, the potential for flap failure exists at multiple levels, ranging from flap harvest and inset to pedicle lay and postoperative patient and positioning factors. While conventional methods of free flap monitoring (reliant on physical examination) remain the most frequently used, additional adjunctive methods have been developed. Herein we describe the various modalities of both invasive and noninvasive free flap monitoring available to date. Still, further prospective studies are needed to compare the various invasive and noninvasive technologies and to propel innovations to support the early recognition of vascular compromise with the goal of even greater rates of flap salvage.

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