Intraoperative Flap Warming: The Novel Use of a Sterile Cardiac Forced Warm Air Blanket for Maintaining Optimal Flap Perfusion

Abstract

The 2-team approach in major head and neck/reconstructive surgery can occasionally lead to delays between flap harvest and detachment, due to the complexity and length of the ablative procedure. In order to minimize the potential for flap cooling and the adverse impact on microcirculation, active warming can be beneficial. We present an inexpensive, readily available method of active flap warming, that can be easily introduced into practice.