Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.

Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Early, nonsubjective detection of poor tissue oxygenation following surgery increases the likelihood that intervention aimed at saving the tissue will be successful.

Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Tissues remaining below a certain hemoglobin oxygen saturation threshold (oxygen saturation index <1) for prolonged periods (>6 h) became increasingly dehydrated, eventually becoming visibly necrotic. Tissues above this threshold (oxygen saturation index >1), despite being significantly hypoxic relative to the pre-elevation saturation values, remained viable over the 72 h post-elevation monitoring period. The magnitude of the drop in tissue oxygen saturation, as observed immediately following surgery, correlated with the final clinical outcome of the flap tissue.

Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Tissues remaining below a certain hemoglobin oxygen saturation threshold (oxygen saturation index <1) for prolonged periods (>6 h) became increasingly dehydrated, eventually becoming visibly necrotic. Tissues above this threshold (oxygen saturation index >1), despite being significantly hypoxic relative to the pre-elevation saturation values, remained viable over the 72 h post-elevation monitoring period. The magnitude of the drop in tissue oxygen saturation, as observed immediately following surgery, correlated with the final clinical outcome of the flap tissue.

Abstract: Prolonged and severe tissue hypoxia results in tissue necrosis in pedicled flaps. We demonstrate the potential of near-infrared spectroscopy for predicting viability of compromised tissue portions. This approach clearly identifies tissue regions with low oxygen supply, and also the severity of this challenge, in a rapid and non-invasive manner, with a high degree of reproducibility. Tissues remaining below a certain hemoglobin oxygen saturation threshold (oxygen saturation index<1) for prolonged periods (>6 h) became increasingly dehydrated, eventually becoming visibly necrotic. Tissues above this threshold (oxygen saturation index>1), despite being significantly hypoxic relative to the pre-elevation saturation values, remained viable over the 72 h post-elevation monitoring period. The magnitude of the drop in tissue oxygen saturation, as observed immediately following surgery, correlated with the final clinical outcome of the flap tissue.