Tissue Oximetry Free Flap Monitoring in the Head and Neck

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of continuous noninvasive tissue oximetry in free flap monitoring in head and neck reconstruction.

Method: In a retrospective case series, we report 5 patients over a period of 12 months who underwent head and neck reconstruction with free tissue transfer and postoperative monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy using the commercially available ViOptix Tissue Oximeter device (ViOptix, Fremont, California).

Results: The use of near-infrared spectroscopy (ViOptix) was successfully implemented in all 5 patients. Early experience with this technique in the head and neck demonstrates its feasibility in monitoring head and neck flaps, especially in areas where monitoring the skin paddle may be challenging for the observer. We report early success in using this device in postoperative monitoring.

Conclusion: Near infrared spectroscopy is a potential means of monitoring free tissue transfer in the head and neck. More research is needed to study the impact of using ViOptix in the early detection of free flap compromise and subsequent salvage and its impact on re-exploration rates and overall flap survival rates.