75 Intraoperative Use of Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera – a Clinical Aid for Pedicled Flaps in Hand Reconstruction

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Venous insufficiency remains one of the commonest causes for flap failure. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermography measures infrared emissions from dissipated heat and converts temperature values into an image. This has various advantages to the current use of indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to assess flap perfusion. Case A man in his mid-30s was involved in a road traffic accident and sustained extensive injuries to his right hand. These included multiple metacarpal fractures, degloving of the proximal aspect of the entire thumb and significant skin loss on the volar distal forearm. After several washouts and tissue debridement, a pedicled chest wall flap was performed. Five weeks later the chest wall flap was divided using an infrared thermal imaging camera (FLIR E5) intraoperatively as a clinical aid to assess perfusion. This detected a small area of venous congestion which was not detectable by clinical assessment. Discussion There are drawbacks to the current intraoperative use of ICG angiography to assess flap perfusion. These include hot flushes and skin rashes, and the technique requires an intraoperative injection, extensive equipment involving a screen and a specialised camera. In comparison FLIR cameras are handheld, easy to use and involves a one-off cost of purchasing the camera that is relatively inexpensive compared to ICG angiography. Conclusions Thermal imaging techniques such as FLIR provides an alternative intraoperative option for patients who are unable to have ICG, for centres that do not have access to ICG and for surgeons looking for more convenient alternatives.