Laser-assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography Research Articles

Using Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography to Assess Nipple-Areolar Complex Survival During Reduction Mammoplasty.

In reduction mammoplasty, preserving an appropriate skin flap is crucial to achieve a favorable postoperative appearance and prevent blood supply disorders in the nipple-areolar complex (NAC). Previous studies have indicated that a thinner or narrower flap is more favorable for breast shaping, but also increases the risk of blood supply disorders. Accessing the blood perfusion of the NAC and determining the critical threshold for NAC viability are essential aspects of reduction mammoplasty. The aim of this study was to utilize indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to assess NAC perfusion during reduction mammoplasty. It also sought to identify critical thresholds of various indicators affecting NAC survival and provide guidance for skin flap trimming. Thirty-eight patients who underwent reduction mammoplasty were included. Each patient received ICG angiography before and after skin flap trimming. Data on NAC perfusion, skin flap length, width, thickness, and other relevant indicators were collected. Among the patients, 5 experienced NAC blood supply disorders. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the NAC blood supply had a significant correlation with the tissue thickness at the pedicle base (P < .001) and with the length-to-width ratio across the nipple (P < .05). To optimize NAC survival and achieve favorable breast shaping, cutoff points for the thickness at the pedicle base and the length-to-width ratio across the nipple of 1.15 cm and 1.71, respectively, were established. ICG angiography provides an effective means to assess NAC blood supply and postoperative survival. The cutoff points established in this study help to predict the survival of the NAC and guide flap trimming.

Interpreting Lower Trapezius Musculocutaneous Flap Skin Paddle Perfusion with Indocyanine Green Angiography.

Background: The lower trapezius myocutaneous flap (LTF) is a pedicled flap with clinically significant variability of distal skin flap perfusion. Objective: To compare the incidence of partial flap necrosis before and after the institution of routine intraoperative laser-assisted indocyanine green (ICG) angiography. Methods: This is a retrospective review of all LTF performed between November 2021 and July 2022. The outcomes measured in this study are the distance distal to the inferior border of the trapezius muscle with adequate perfusion, and incidence and degree of partial flap necrosis. Results: Sixteen patients met inclusion criteria with a median age of 64.5 years, and a median defect size of 147 cm2. Most patients (11/16) had undergone previous treatment for malignancy. Before utilizing ICG angiography, 40% (2/5) had partial flap necrosis, whereas after utilizing ICG angiography, 9% (1/11) of patients had partial flap necrosis. Seventy-three percent (8/11) of cases who underwent ICG angiography demonstrated a portion of the skin paddle with inadequate perfusion. The range of skin perfusion distal to the inferior border of the trapezius muscle was 0-7 cm (median, 4). Conclusions: The incidence of partial flap necrosis decreased after institution of routine ICG angiography.

Can Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography Be Used to Quantify Perfusion Changes During Staged Fixation of Pilon Fractures? A Pilot Study.

To quantify soft tissue perfusion changes in pilon fractures during staged treatment using laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (LA-ICGA). Level 1 trauma center. Prospective cohort study. Twelve patients with 12 pilon fractures participated in the study. Seven patients had OTA/AO classification of 43-C3, 3 had 43-C2, and 2 had 43-B2. LA-ICGA was performed with the SPY fluorescence imaging platform. Analysis via ImageJ was used to generate a fractional area of perfusion (FAP) based on fluorescent intensity to objectively quantify soft tissue perfusion. Anterior, medial, and lateral measurements were performed at the time of initial external fixation (EF) application and then at the time of definitive fixation. FAP within the region of interest was on average 64% medially, 61% laterally, and 62% anteriorly immediately before EF placement. Immediately before definitive open reduction internal fixation, fractional region of interest perfusion was on average 86% medially, 87% laterally, and 86% anteriorly. FAP increased on average 24% medially ( P = 0.0004), 26% laterally ( P = 0.001), and 19% anteriorly ( P = 0.002) from the time of initial EF to the time of definitive open reduction and internal fixation. Quantitative improvement in soft tissue perfusion was identified through the course of staged surgical management in pilon fractures. LA-ICGA potentially may be used to determine appropriate timing for definitive surgical intervention based on the readiness of the soft tissue envelope. Ultimately, these findings may influence clinical outcomes with respect to choice of surgical approach, soft tissue management, surgical timing, and wound healing. Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does the Use of Intraoperative Angiography Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Wound and Flap Complications in Complex Lower Extremity Oncologic Reconstruction?

Intraoperative laser angiography via indocyanine green (ICG) has become a valuable tool in objectively assessing tissue perfusion in reconstructive procedures. Studies have demonstrated the utility of ICG angiography (ICGA) for decreasing both mastectomy skin flap necrosis and wound healing complications in abdominal wall reconstruction. This tool has not been studied in lower extremity oncologic reconstruction. The objective of this study was to compare postoperative complications in lower extremity oncologic reconstruction managed with or without laser-assisted ICGA. A retrospective chart review was performed of patients undergoing complex lower extremity oncologic reconstruction at a single institution between 2000 and 2018. Patient information regarding demographics, comorbidities, operative procedures, and postoperative complications was analyzed. Sixty-one patients were identified in our study. As some patients underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries, a total of 76 reconstructive procedures were analyzed. Patients with plastic surgery reconstruction using ICGA (n = 36) were compared with those without, non-ICGA (n = 40). No significant differences in age, sex, smoking status, chemotherapy, or radiation history were identified between cohorts. The total number of postoperative complications did not statistically differ between cohorts. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of required reoperation because of a postoperative complication between the ICGA and non-ICGA groups (0.44 vs 0.4). The incidence of postoperative wound complications after complex lower extremity oncologic reconstruction remains high. The findings of our study suggest that clinical judgment of flap and soft tissue viability, as compared with ICGA, may lead to comparable operative outcomes and be more cost-effective. Long-term follow-up and prospective studies are needed to further investigate this trend.

Peri-incisional perfusion does not differ between running versus interrupted Allgöwer-Donati suture technique in ankle fracture surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial of wound perfusion

Objectives:To compare peri-incisional perfusion, perfusion impairment and wound closure time between the conventional interrupted Allgöwer-Donati (IAD) technique and a modified running Allgöwer-Donati (RAD) technique in ankle fracture surgery.Design:Prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial.Setting:Level I and II trauma centers.Patients:Twenty-five healthy adults with ankle fractures (AO/OTA 44-A, 44-B, or 44-C) between November 2017 and December 2018. (Of 26 patients enrolled in this study, 1 was lost to follow-up.)Intervention:Participants were randomized into the IAD or the RAD group (13 patients each). All participants were followed for at least 3 months after surgery to assess for wound complications.Main Outcome Measurements:Skin perfusion was assessed immediately after wound closure with laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography. Wound closure time, mean incision perfusion, and mean perfusion impairment were measured and compared with analysis of variance. Alpha = 0.05.Results:The RAD technique was significantly faster in terms of mean (± standard deviation) wound closure time (6.2 ± 1.4 minutes) compared with the IAD technique (7.3 ± 1.4 minutes) (P = 0.047). We found no differences in mean incision perfusion and mean perfusion impairment (all, P > 0.05).Conclusion:The IAD and RAD techniques resulted in similar peri-incisional perfusion and perfusion impairment. Closure time was significantly shorter for the RAD technique compared with the IAD technique.Level of Evidence:I

Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography in the Management of Open Ankle Fractures: A Technical Trick.

Open ankle and pilon fractures in patients with poor soft-tissue quality represent a challenge for the treating orthopaedic surgeon. Occasionally, the typical transverse medial wound is very cephalad and does not allow for the proper visualization of the fracture. It is difficult to decide how to extend these open wounds to get access to the fracture while minimizing disruption of the blood supply to the skin. We describe the use of a new tool, laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography, to assist in incision planning for the definitive treatment of these injuries.

Preconditioning with Foam-mediated External Suction on Flap Microvasculature and Perfusion in a Rodent Model.

Background:Foam-mediated external suction (FMES) has previously shown to improve tissue microcirculation. We hypothesized that preconditioning fasciocutaneous perforator flaps with FMES would augment perfusion and demonstrate greater capillary recruitment.Methods:Gluteal perforator flaps were designed on sixteen 400 g rats. Continuous FMES at −125 mm Hg was applied on one side (intervention) to precondition tissue for 5 days, with the contralateral side as a paired control. In group A, we assessed changes following pretreatment, after surgery, and 7 days postprocedure, and in group B, we evaluated changes during preconditioning alone. In group A (N = 8), control and intervention flaps were assessed using laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography. In group B, flap regions were assessed using 4-dimensional computed tomographic angiography. All flaps were analyzed for microvessel density using micro–computed tomography and histological assessment using hematoxylin and eosin and CD3 immunohistochemistry.Results:Thirty-two flaps were included in this study (N = 16 intervention and matched controls). Four-dimensional computed tomographic angiography demonstrated 17% greater tissue perfusion in preconditioned flaps (mean, 78.7 HU; SD, 8.8) versus controls (mean, 67.3 HU; SD, 15.7; P < 0.01). Laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography showed a 30% higher mean absolute intensity in preconditioned flaps versus controls (P < 0.01). Postsurgery mean absolute intensity in preconditioned flaps remained 21% higher than in controls (P = 0.03). Preconditioned flaps demonstrated a 2-fold increase in mean vessel volume of 9.1 mm3 (SD, 7) versus 4.5 mm3 (SD, 3) in controls (P = 0.04); there was a 33% higher mean area fraction of CD31 in preconditioned flaps, 3.9% (SD, 3) versus 2.9% (SD, 3) in controls (P = 0.03).Conclusion:FMES preconditioning has the potential to augment vascularity of tissue for flap harvest; however, further experimental studies are required to optimize strategies and evaluate long-term effects for clinical applications.

Paramedian forehead flap pedicle division after 7 days using laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography

The paramedian forehead flap is a major workhorse for reconstruction of medium- to large-sized nasal defects. The tissue bridge that results from the vascular pedicle results in significant cosmetic deformity, with associated social and occupational costs to the patient. This prospective cross-sectional study sought to assess efficacy and safety of takedown of the flap pedicle at 1week using indocyanine green (ICG) angiography to assist in determining neovascularization of the flap. This study was performed at a tertiary care center from April 13, 2018 to March 22, 2019. Patients eligible for enrollment included those with defects appropriate for reconstruction with a paramedian forehead flap, partial-thickness defect, vascularized tissue in more than 50% of the recipient bed, and lack of nicotine use. Ten patients were included, and all underwent reconstructive surgery by a single surgeon. Laser-assisted ICG angiography was used during the first stage as well as at the second stage both immediately before and after flap division. Perfusion was in both time-independent and time-dependent analyses relative to a cheek reference point. Herein, we found successful 7-day flap takedown with no flap-related complications in all patients. There was an average of approximately 44% flap-to-cheek vascularity across all patients, and pre-division flap perfusion correlated well with post-division perfusion. In conclusion, in carefully selected patients with amenable defects, division of the pedicle at 1week after initial flap transfer is safe and has the potential to limit the morbidity associated with the procedure.

Intraoperative Assessment of DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction Using Indocyanine Green Angiography: Reduction of Fat Necrosis, Resection Volumes, and Postoperative Surveillance.

This study aims to characterize the effect of laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography on fat necrosis and flap failure in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. A retrospective review was performed on 1000 free flaps for breast reconstruction at a single center from 2010 to 2017. Indocyanine green angiography was used after completion of recipient-site anastomoses to subjectively assess for areas of hypoperfusion. A multivariable logistical analysis was conducted with 24 demographic and surgical factors and their effects on fat necrosis and flap failure. Five hundred six DIEP flaps were included in the statistical analyses. Thirteen percent of flaps had fat necrosis. Indocyanine green angiography was used for 200 flaps and was independently associated with a decrease in the odds of fat necrosis (OR, 0.38; p = 0.004). There was no reduction in flap failure rates when using indocyanine green angiography (OR, 1.15; p = 0.85). However, there was a decrease in flap loss with increasing venous coupler diameter (OR, 0.031 per 1-mm increase; p = 0.012). The 84.9-g higher weight of resected tissue before inset without indocyanine green angiography versus the weight of the tissue resected with indocyanine green angiography was statistically significant (p = 0.01). Per single incident of fat necrosis, our cohort underwent an additional 0.69 revision procedures, 1.22 imaging studies, 0.77 biopsies, and 1.7 additional oncologic office visits. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence angiography decreases the odds of fat necrosis, saves volume when flap trimming at inset, and can significantly reduce the postoperative surveillance burden in DIEP-based breast reconstruction. Therapeutic, III.

Use of laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography in breast reconstruction: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography allows surgeons to determine intraoperative flap perfusion and achieve the best outcomes in breast reconstruction. This study stratified outcomes based on a meta-analysis of complications including longitudinal trials comparing the clinical assessment of skin flaps during breast reconstruction. Nine studies met inclusion criteria and reported outcomes of interest (n = 2256). The risk of flap necrosis and the necessity of reoperation was statistically significantly higher in the control group.

MASTEKTOMİ FLEBİ NEKROZUNU TAHMİN YA DA LOKALİZE EDEBİLEN LAZER YARDIMLI İNDOSİYANİN YEŞİLİ ANJİOGRAFİNİN KONVANSİYONEL YÖNTEMLE KIYASLANMASI: PROSPEKTİF KLİNİK ÇALIŞMA

<div><!--block-->Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether laser-assisted-indocyanine-green-angiography (LA-ICGA) could accurately predict flap necrosis in comparison to conventional clinical assessment and visually identify its location during immediate reconstruction following a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM).&nbsp;<br><br>Methods: Twenty-one patients with breast cancer were prospectively enrolled to undergo NSM with immediate implant reconstruction. In 19 cases LA-ICGA numbers were used to show the level of laser absorption of hypo-perfused areas on the mastectomy flaps. Those numbers were compared to conventional assessment to assess the predictive value of LA-ICGA.&nbsp;<br><br>Results: Of the 19 mastectomy flaps, 3 (15.8%) examples of partial skin flap necrosis with an LA-ICGA value of ≤7 was observed. The sensitivity, specificity, false-positive rate, and accuracy of LA-ICGA were 43%, 100%, 57%, and 79%, respectively. Patients with an LA-ICGA value of ≤7 were found more likely to develop mastectomy flap necrosis, whereas patients aged &gt;60 or, a history of smoking, a BMI &gt;30, or intraoperative use of tumescence solution containing epinephrine were more likely to have an LA-ICGA score ≤7 which is not clinically reliable in predicting necrosis.&nbsp;<br><br>Conclusion: Our results indicate that a low LA-ICGA score ≤7 is the only significant factor in predicting mastectomy flap necrosis. LA-ICGA could accurately show the location of necrosis.&nbsp;</div>

Spotlight in Plastic Surgery: October 2019

Spotlight in Plastic Surgery: October 2019

Indocyanine Green Angiography for Continuously Monitoring Blood Flow Changes and Predicting Perfusion of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap in Rats

Background Deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap approach has excellent outcomes and low morbidity. However, it is associated with high rates of perfusion-related complications. To observe the blood flow changes and the stages of the flap perfusion, as well as the necrosis formation, we used indocyanine green (ICG) to monitor its perforators before and after DIEP flap harvesting. Methods: Abdominal perforator flaps supplied by the right superior abdominal perforating arteries were generated from seven SD rats. Laser-assisted ICG angiography was applied for dynamical and continuous observation of changes in the blood flow and courses of flap perfusion. Areas of flap perfusion were quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ. Results: The average perfusion area of the seven flaps after surgery and at days 1, 2, and 3 after surgery were 23.06 ± 2.47, 22.48 ± 2.04, 28.34 ± 1.14, and 28.97 ± 2.44 cm2, respectively. Compared to values after surgery, no significant difference was observed on day one (p > 0.05); however, the flaps had significantly improved perfusion areas on day 2 (mean value of 5.28 ± 1.83 cm2, p < 0.01) and day 3 (mean value of 5.91 ± 2.60 cm2, p < 0.01) postsurgery. In addition, there were no significant differences between days 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). The blood flow changes in both arteries and veins, the stages of flap perfusion, and the development of necrosis at the distal end of the flap were also observed. Conclusion: We gained valuable knowledge on the dynamic of blood flow changes and the course of flap perfusion inside the DIEP flap. Dynamic and continuous observation with ICG angiography through an SPY system is a powerful method for monitoring of blood supply in flaps that can be used to predict flap perfusion with a strong positive predictive significance.

Routine Laser-assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography in Immediate Breast Reconstruction: Is It Worth the Cost?

Background:Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (LAIGA) has been proven to accurately detect mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN) intraoperatively and prevent postoperative complications in breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of the routine use of LAIGA in immediate breast reconstruction and to perform a break-even point analysis.Methods:This is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data from all patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction from January 2014 to January 2015. LAIGA was routinely used in all cases. Patients were followed for at least 90 days to capture postoperative complications. Costs were calculated by reviewing itemized bills and Medicare Reimbursement Current Procedural Terminology codes to assess surgeon fees. Outcomes and costs were compared with a historical cohort of patients who underwent breast reconstruction before the implementation of LAIGA.Results:Two-hundred-and-six immediate breast reconstructions (126 patients) were performed using LAIGA for a total cost of $210,700. The average cost of MSFN in our LAIGA cohort was $30,496. The routine use of LAIGA decreased the MSFN rate from 12.4% to 6.3% and prevented MSFN on 13 breasts resulting in a gross cost savings of $396,453, and net savings of $185,753. Break-even point analysis demonstrated that number of cases needed to break even decreases as the average MSFN cost and MSFN reduction rate increase.Conclusion:The routine use of LAIGA in immediate breast reconstruction is cost-effective in reducing the incidence of MSFN, implant loss, and overall unexpected reoperation rate.

A Prospective Study of Immediate Breast Reconstruction with Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography.

Background:Complication rates following immediate breast reconstruction range from 4% to 60%. Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSFN) is often the sentinel event leading to secondary complications.Methods:All patients undergoing immediate reconstruction were enrolled. Upon mastectomy completion, the surgeon visually interpreted the skin flaps, performed laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (LAIGA), and intervened if needed. Patients were followed for 90 days, documenting skin necrosis, infection, seroma, hematoma, implant loss, and reoperation.Results:There were 126 patients who had 206 immediate breast reconstructions. The complication rate was 22.3%. The incidence of MSFN was 14.1%. The reoperation rate was 8.7%. There was 1 necrosis-related implant loss. Postoperative surveys were completed on 193 breasts: 137 had visual and LAIGA interpretation of well or adequately perfused, resulting in 5.8% rate of necrosis, 2 reoperations, and no implant losses. Twenty breasts had visual and LAIGA interpretation of marginal or poor perfusion. Sixteen of these underwent intervention. The necrosis rate in this group was 35% with no implant losses. A third group with 26 breasts had adequate visual interpretation with marginal or poor perfusion on LAIGA. Ten breasts had no intervention, and 16 received intervention. The overall necrosis rate in this group was 42.3%, with 4 reoperations for necrosis and 1 implant loss.Conclusions:LAIGA can more accurately predict complications from MSFN than surgeon assessment alone. When surgeon decision making is supplemented with LAIGA, it reduces the incidence of MSFN, infection, implant loss, and overall unexpected reoperation rate. LAIGA is a valuable adjunct for intraoperative decision making.

A New Composite Eyeball-Periorbital Transplantation Model in Humans: An Anatomical Study in Preparation for Eyeball Transplantation.

Vascularized composite allotransplantation offers a new hope for restoration of orbital content and perhaps vision. The aim of this study was to introduce a new composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation model in fresh cadavers in preparation for composite eyeball allotransplantation in humans. The composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation flap borders included the inferior border, outlined by the infraorbital rim; the medial border, created by the nasal dorsum; the lateral border, created by the lateral orbital rim; and the superior border, created by the superior part of the eyebrow. The pedicle of the flap included the facial artery, superficial temporal artery, and external jugular vein. The skin and subcutaneous tissues of the periorbital region were dissected and the bony tissue was reached. A coronal incision was performed and the frontal lobe of the brain was reached by means of frontal osteotomy. Ophthalmic and oculomotor nerves were also included in the flap. After a "box osteotomy" around the orbit, the dissection was completed. Methylene blue and indocyanine green injection (SPY Elite System) was performed to show the integrity of the vascular territories after facial flap harvest. Adequate venous return was observed within the flap after methylene blue dye injection. Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography identified a well-defined vascular network within the entire composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation flap. For the first time, a novel composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation model in human cadavers was introduced. Good perfusion of the flap confirmed the feasibility of composite eyeball-periorbital transplantation in the clinical setting. Although harvesting of the flap is challenging, it introduces a new option for reconstruction of the periorbital region including the eyeball.

Quantitative analysis of facial soft tissue perfusion during hypotensive anesthesia using laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography

The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of induced hypotensive anesthesia in decreasing facial soft tissue perfusion during orthognathic surgery using laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography. This retrospective study involved the evaluation of 16 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. Data collection included facial tissue perfusion of the bilateral cheeks and chin at normotension and with pharmacologically induced hypotensive anesthesia. There were statistically significant differences in the facial tissue perfusion at normal and depressed levels of blood pressure (P<0.001). This study used an objective measure to demonstrate the long-standing belief that hypotensive anesthesia is efficacious in reducing tissue perfusion in the surgical field. The data suggest that pharmacologically depressing the level of mean arterial pressure by 18% may result in a 41–52% decrease in facial soft tissue perfusion. This study reports a novel method of quantitative analysis.

Laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction: a retrospective study

Objective: Necrosis in implant-based immediate breast reconstruction is a feared complication. Accurate evaluation of mastectomy skin flaps per-operatively is necessary to decrease this risk. The present study is the first in Scandinavia to review the effects of perioperative evaluation with laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (LA-ICGA).Method: A retrospective review was performed using data from the electronic patient record at the Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery at Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark on all patients who underwent implant-based skin-sparing immediate breast reconstruction with ADM in the time period March 2012 to October 2015. A total of 92 patients undergoing 128 breasts reconstructions were included in the study. An evaluation of complications before and after the implementation of LA-ICGA was performed.Results: No significant difference in necrosis rates requiring surgical revision (p = .411) or conservative treatment (p = .149) in patients undergoing implant-based immediate breast reconstruction were found.Conclusion: Our results differ from previously published studies in that no beneficial effect on necrosis rates of was found after implementing LA-ICGA, possibly due to our limited sample size.

Allgöwer-Donati Versus Vertical Mattress Suture Technique Impact on Perfusion in Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial Using Intraoperative Angiography.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate which primary wound closure technique for ankle fractures affords the most robust perfusion as measured by laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography: Allgöwer-Donati or vertical mattress. Prospective, randomized. Level 1 Academic Trauma Center. Thirty patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation for ankle fractures were prospectively randomized to Allgöwer-Donati (n = 15) or vertical mattress (n = 15) closure. Demographics were similar for both cohorts with respect to age, sex, body mass index, surgical timing, and OTA/AO fracture classification. Skin perfusion (mean incision perfusion and mean perfusion impairment) was quantified in fluorescence units with laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography along the lateral incision as well as anterior and posterior to the incision at 30 separate locations. Minimum follow-up was 3 months with a mean follow-up 4.7 months. Allgöwer-Donati enabled superior perfusion compared with the vertical mattress suture technique. Mean incision perfusion for Allgöwer-Donati was 51 (SD = 13) and for vertical mattress was 28 (SD = 10, P < 0.0001). Mean perfusion impairment was less in the Allgöwer-Donati cohort (12.8, SD = 9) compared with that in the vertical mattress cohort (23.4, SD = 14; P = 0.03). One patient in each cohort experienced a wound complication. The Allgöwer-Donati suture technique offers improved incision perfusion compared with vertical mattress closure after open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures. Theoretically, this may enhance soft tissue healing and decrease the risk of wound complications. Surgeons may take this into consideration when deciding closure techniques for ankle fractures. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography Aids in the Reconstruction of Gustilo Grade IIIB Open Lower-Limb Fractures.

Background The treatment of trauma to the lower extremities often carries a high risk of complications. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been published regarding the treatment of open lower-limb fractures using laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography (LA-ICG). Here we retrospectively evaluated LA-ICG-based therapeutic interventions and reported the use of LA-ICG and its results in this application. Patients and Methods Between January 2011 and December 2015, a total of 23 cases with Gustilo grade IIIB open lower-limb fractures were investigated. LA-ICG was used to demonstrate the presence of necrotic tissue and determine the range of debridement. We compared 13 patients treated using LA-ICG from 2013 to 2015 with 10 patients treated without LA-ICG from 2010 to 2013. We reviewed tissue necrosis and other outcomes of these patients. Results The tissue necrosis rate in the LA-ICG-used group was significantly lower than that in the LA-ICG-free group. There were also significant differences in the average number of instances of tissue necrosis per patient, debridements, and deep-site infections. There was no flap loss. Conclusion By using LA-ICG, not only plastic surgeons but also clinicians in all associated departments including orthopedics can perform early reliable debridement and share in trauma treatment planning. We will continue to accumulate similar cases and hope to further improve LA-ICG techniques.