Smartphone Thermal Imaging Can Enable the Safer Use of Propeller Flaps.
Publication/Presentation Date
8-1-2020
Abstract
The use of thermography for the identification of cutaneous "hot spots" that coincide with perforators is not a new concept, but the required professional cameras may be prohibitively expensive. Only relatively recently, incredibly cheap but adequate thermal imaging cameras have become available that work in concert with the ubiquitous cell phone. This can now serve as a rapid, accurate, and complementary method for finding a perforator sufficient to serve as the hub for a perforator pedicled propeller flap. In addition, the preferred direction of rotation about that hub, effect of flap insetting on perfusion, and then postoperative monitoring are possible by proper interpretation of corresponding thermograms. Every reconstructive surgeon should be able to obtain this device, and then easily learn what potential attributes for them are available when planning a propeller flap.
Volume
34
Issue
3
First Page
161
Last Page
164
ISSN
1535-2188
Published In/Presented At
Hallock G. G. (2020). Smartphone Thermal Imaging Can Enable the Safer Use of Propeller Flaps. Seminars in plastic surgery, 34(3), 161–164. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0040-1714291
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
33041685
Department(s)
Department of Surgery
Document Type
Article