Free flap monitoring protocol.
In microsurgery, the successful salvage of free tissue transfer is dependent on the rapid decision to return to the operating room. Therefore, a free flap monitoring protocol is presented, including checking color, temperature, capillary return, and signal from a handheld Doppler ultrasonograph in an intraoperatively marked skin area directly over the pedicle.
Kruse
Astrid L
AL
Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland. astrid.kruse@usz.ch
Luebbers
Heinz T
HT
Grätz
Klaus W
KW
Obwegeser
Joachim A
JA
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000295:instrumentation*