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Miroslaw F Stranc

Henry H Mantsch

Michael G Sowa

Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.

Method of assessing tissue viability using near-infrared spectroscopy

Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Tissues remaining below a certain hemoglobin oxygen saturation threshold (oxygen saturation index<1) for prolonged periods (>6 h) became increasingly dehydrated, eventually becoming visibly necrotic. Tissues above this threshold (oxygen saturation index>1), despite being significantly hypoxic relative to the pre-elevation saturation values, remained viable over the 72 h post-elevation monitoring period. The magnitude of the drop in tissue oxygen saturation, as observed immediately following surgery, correlated with the final clinical outcome of the flap tissue. These results indicate the potential of near infrared spectroscopy and imaging to monitor tissue oxygenation status and assess tissue viability following reconstructive surgery. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.

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Winnipeg, Canada

Miroslaw F Stranc