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Facial Plast Surg 2020; 36(06): 722-726
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1721105
Original Article

Review of Flap Monitoring Technology in 2020

Adam Jacobson
1   Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
,
Oriana Cohen
2   Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
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Abstract

Advances in free flap reconstruction of complex head and neck defects have allowed for improved outcomes in the management of head and neck cancer. Technical refinements have decreased flap loss rate to less than 4%. However, the potential for flap failure exists at multiple levels, ranging from flap harvest and inset to pedicle lay and postoperative patient and positioning factors. While conventional methods of free flap monitoring (reliant on physical examination) remain the most frequently used, additional adjunctive methods have been developed. Herein we describe the various modalities of both invasive and noninvasive free flap monitoring available to date. Still, further prospective studies are needed to compare the various invasive and noninvasive technologies and to propel innovations to support the early recognition of vascular compromise with the goal of even greater rates of flap salvage.

Keywords

flap monitoring - implantable Doppler - flap salvage


Publication History

Article published online:
24 December 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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