Pre and Postoperative Evaluation of Cutaneous Facial Flaps Using Infrared Thermographic Camera.

Introduction: Skin flaps are often use for reconstructing cutaneous defects. Based on their blood supply these are classifi ed in random and axial flaps, the success of their survival being adequate perfusion. Infrared thermographic camera measures the skin temperature, influenced by vessel distribution. The objectives of the study: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the skin vascularization using the thermographic camera in order to design viable facial flaps. Used methodology: We present the cases of three patients with facial defects reconstructed using local and regional flaps whose vascularization was monitored pre and postoperatively using a thermal camera. No local complications occurred and aesthetic and functional outcome was good. Conclusions: Infrared thermographic camera might represent a new method of evaluating flap vascularization that could help in minimizing ischemic complications in flap surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]