Continuous subcutaneous tissue pH measurement as a monitor of blood flow in skin flaps: an experimental study.
A miniaturised glass pH probe that makes possible the continuous measurement of subcutaneous tissue pH is described. This instrument has been evaluated as a monitor of blood flow in experimental skin flaps. A rapid fall in tissue pH in response to either arterial or venous occlusion was observed. The results suggest that this technique may be a useful method of monitoring microvascular free flaps.
D000818:Animals; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D013524:Surgical Flaps