Syed Ahmed Ali, Akina Tamaki, Jason E.Thuener, Shawn Li, Nicole Fowler, Pierre Lavertu, Theodoros N.Teknos, Rod P.Rezaee

1Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Ear Nose and Throat Institute, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

2Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.

Abstract Free tissue transfer (FTT) is a cornerstone of head and neck reconstruction.Although rare, complications of FTT surgery can be devastating, including failed flap harvest, wound breakdown, or flap loss ultimately.Thus, modern microvascular surgeons bolster surgical and clinical expertise with a growing number of technological advances to optimize patient care and outcomes.These technologies can be applied in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period.Various preoperative imaging modalities can assist in selecting the optimal donor site and advanced perforator planning.Intraoperatively, novel technologies can assist with microvascular anastomoses, operative magnification and visualization, and assess free tissue perfusion.Postoperatively, routine clinical assessment can be augmented by a variety of adjunctive monitoring techniques designed to assess tissue health, arterial inflow and venous drainage.The overall ease and success of performing FTT can be improved by employing novel technologies at every phase of the surgical process.This article will expand upon established and upcoming technological advances and the existing literatures to support their use.

Keywords: Free tissue transfer, head and neck reconstruction, perforator mapping, technology, microvascular couplers, three-dimensional exoscope, fluorescent angiography, postoperative monitoring

INTRODUCTION

Free tissue transfer (FTT) has become a cornerstone of modern head and neck surgery, as it offers a unique means of reconstructing complicated skin, soft tissue, and osseous defects.As overall success rates continue to improve, head and neck surgeons are increasingly turning to FTT as a means of restoring form and function for patients with operative and traumatic head and neck defects[1].Since its inception, significant advances in the operation and technological practice of the field have greatly reduced surgical duration and length of inpatient stay, two key metrics in sustaining a high-volume FTT practice[2].In particular, the coordination of a two-team approach, the advent of the microvascular coupling device, and the exploration of easily accessible, reliable donor site options have significantly reduced operative time.As technological advancements become more widely accessible, every aspect of the care provided to head and neck cancer patients has evolved, from the preoperative planning to postoperative monitoring.This chapter will explore recent technological advancements and their impacts on the modern FTT practice.An overview of the various technologies can be found in Table 1.

Table 1.Summary of prominent head and neck microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction technologic advancements

PREOPERATIVE

Preoperative planning, including flap donor site selection, is imperative to decrease operative duration and optimize patient outcomes.Planning typically starts with a complete history and physical to determine the anticipated defect and patient specific factors that will influence flap selection such as body habitus and prior surgery.Flap selection is also often drived by the surgeon’s prior experience and preferred donor sites.Certain flaps have reliable anatomy and require minimal preoperative planning.For example, a physical exam is adequate when planning to do a radial forearm, ulnar, lateral arm, or latissimus.However with the use of perforator-based flaps with variable anatomy such as the anterolateral thigh (ALT), thoracodorsal artery perforator (TDAP), and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) some surgeons find preoperative planning helpful.Studies have also shown decreased operative duration when preoperative perforator mapping is utilized[3,4].The use of various imaging modalities in perforator mapping may be valuable in cases where the skin paddle must be thinned or split.It can also be considered in cases where larger skin paddles are required, to assist with better centering the perforator within the skin paddle and capture its respective angiosome.Here we will discuss some imaging options for perforator mapping in the preoperative setting.

Computer tomography angiography

Head and neck surgeons commonly use computer tomography angiogram (CTA) for fibula flap planning to rule out vascular disease and anatomic variants in vascular supply to the foot.This also allows for perforator mapping when designing the fibula skin paddle[5].A lesser-used alternative to CTA for perforator mapping in the fibula free flap is magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)[6].In a comparative study, Rozenet al.[7]found that CTA is able to identify perforators as small as 0.3 mm, smaller than the 1 mm perforators detectable by advancements in MRA technology.CTA is also commonly used in DIEP flap planning by breast reconstructive surgeons where its utility has been well documented.CTA for other types of perforator flaps are less commonly used by head and neck surgeons.

Chenet al.[8]showed significantly decreased operative duration in ALT harvest by adopting preoperative CTA.Interestingly, they did not witness a significant difference in the number of perforators identified between the CTA and non-CTA group.However, the CTA allowed them to choose the leg with more perforators or to choose septocutaneous perforators which may have contributed to decreased time of harvest.CTA also helped plan for more complex flaps that required two isolated paddles.Garveyet al.[9]reports a 74.1% sensitivity in identifying the presence of ALT perforators when CTA was obtained.In this dataset, CTA was better at localizing proximal perforators than distal.They also reported a 77.5% accuracy in determining a septocutaneousvs.musculocutaneous course of the perforator.The CTA influenced operative decision making in 37.5% of their overall cases and over half of their cases that would require two skin paddles.

CTA has been described for harvest of TDAP flaps.Munet al.[10]reported significantly decreased operative duration and decreased length of incision when using preoperative perforator mapping.They recommend patients to be positioned similar to the intraoperative position at the time of imaging to allow for more accurate marking of perforators at the time of surgery.Kim and Lee[11]recommend requesting 1 mm cuts when obtaining imaging to better visualize small perforators.They also recommend utilizing both the coronal and axial cuts to identify perforators off the transverse and descending thoracodorsal artery[11].

Lastly, for the vessel-depleted neck, dual-phase CT (delayed images to highlight venous vasculature) has proven useful in identifying arterial and venous targets, and even guiding the surgeon to consider a local or regional flap for reconstruction[12].CTA has some disadvantages that need to be considered as well.It is expensive, exposes the patient to radiation, has contraindications in certain patient populations, and is static, therefore, limiting its ability for intraoperative use.Shenet al.[13]have tried to address this by reporting a method of designing virtual and printed templates that can be used intraoperatively to facilitate harvest.

Infrared thermography

Infrared thermography (IT) is another technique that has been described in identifying perforators in flap reconstruction.A sensor is used to create a thermogram that identifies “hot spots” which should correlate with perforators.This technique has been described in isolation as well as in combination with CTA and ultrasound in flap planning.Xiaoet al.[14]recently reported IT in comparison to CDU in ALT flap harvest.They reported a 94.3% sensitivity and 85.7% specificity in identifying perforators.Pereiraet al.[15]reported a much higher sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 98%, respectively.One major limitation of IT is its inability to provide information about the course of the perforator.Therefore, this technique is only useful in identifying where a perforator may be located.The size and course will not be determined until it is explored intraoperatively.

Photoacoustic tomography

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) is a 3-dimensional (3D) vascular mapping technology that has recently been used in preoperative planning for flap harvest[16,17].This technology uses energy from a near infrared pulse laser which is absorbed by hemoglobin.The red blood cells become swollen and emit ultrasonic waves which can be detected with ultrasound.This allows for 3D mapping of subcutaneous vessels without the use of contrast.This technology can be particularly useful in the harvest of perforator based ALT free flaps due to its ability to map the supra-fascial course of the vessels.Tsugeet al.[16]showed PAT is comparable to ultrasound in the evaluation of supra-fascial perforator branching patterns and is better than ultrasound at showing oblique and horizontally oriented branches.This can be particularly useful in the process of thinning ALT flaps to expand its utility in defects requiring a thin flap[18].PAT is limited in its ability to examine branching patterns deep to the fascia and is also unable to distinguish arteries from veins[16].

PAT is a newer technology still under development.One of its main limitations for clinical use is the lack of anatomical reference points precluding its intraoperative use[16].Tsugeet al.[17]attempted to address this in their clinical trial by developing a transparent sheet with mapping that could be sterilized and used intraoperatively.Although they were able to show correlation between mapping and intraoperative findings, further refinement will be needed to overcome errors introduced by the skin incision and retraction of tissue.Continued advancements in this technology will be needed before it is widely used for perforator mapping.

Color duplex ultrasonography

Interest in ultrasound based perforator mapping has become increasingly popular due to low cost, availability, lack of contrast/radiation, and accuracy in mapping perforators.It also has the added benefit of preoperative and intraoperative use to help facilitate decreased harvest and operative times[3].Kehreret al.[19]published a step-by step guide in perforator mapping which will allow the microsurgeon to complete all mapping independent of the radiology department.Although there is certainly a learning curve, experienced microsurgeons have the advantage of intimate knowledge of the anatomy accelerating their mastery of ultrasound techniques.Ultrasound can be applied to all perforator based flaps allowing for more complex flap design.A recent study by González Martínezet al.[20]compared handheld Doppler, CTA, and color duplex ultrasound (CDU).CDU and CTA had a 100% positive predictive value (PPV) for perforator identification compared to 88.6% for the handheld Doppler.The negative predictive value for CDU, CTA and Doppler was 100%, 94.3% and 90.56%, respectively.The majority of flaps in this study were ALT but other extremity flaps were included.A systematic review by Chenget al.[21]has pooled data which included 54 ALT flaps showing a 94.3% PPV.Another study by Thomaset al.[3]compared CDU with Doppler in ALT flap harvest.They showed a significant increase in septocutaneous perforator dissection which translated to nearly a 90 min reduction in harvest time.

While CDU has the steepest learning curve of the techniques discussed, it is noninvasive, inexpensive, has no contraindications, provides detailed anatomic information, and can be adopted in any type of flap harvest.

INTRAOPERATIVE

Contributors to successful FTT include precise surgical dissection and assessment of the harvested flap for viability.Although experience and clinical judgement are irreplaceable tenets in microvascular surgery, there are numerous technologies that can be applied intraoperatively for increased success and efficiency.These technologies include the use of microvascular couplers in anastomoses, alternative and improved microscopic and operative visualization, and technology to assess flap perfusion.

Microvascular couplers

Failure of the microvascular anastomosis is one of the primary reasons for FTT loss.Therefore, any technology to improve this process is valuable.The ideal technique would minimize ischemia time, avoid vessel trauma, maintain vessel patency, and be easy to perform.Historically, arterial and venous anastomoses were performed via hand-suturing.Suturing technique certainly requires training due to the potential for back-wall placement of sutures and poor suture placement leading to thrombosis, stenosis, or anastomotic leaks.The conceptual design of the microvascular coupler was first described in 1962 by Nakayamaet al.[22]and was introduced into use in 1986 by Ostrup and Berggren[23].The coupler design consists of two rings with interlocking pins and corresponding holes.Each end of the vessel is passed through the ring, pinned, and anastomosed together.Available couplers range from a size of 1.0 to 4.0 mm (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Birmingham, AL).

Since the introduction of this technology, venous couplers have become widely accepted and utilized in FTT.In a recent meta-analysis comparing outcomes for microvascular couplers to hand-sutured venous anastomosis, microvascular couplers were found to be safe and effective.This study was not specific to head and neck reconstruction, which represented 19% of the cases.The meta-analysis of 12,304 patients showed a thrombosis rate of 1.47% with couplers, which was not significantly different in risk of venous thrombosis compared to hand-sutured anastomosis.There was also a significant decreased anastomotic time and postoperative flap failure risk[24].Multiple other studies have also reported consistent positive outcomes with the use of venous couplers, including those specific to head and neck reconstruction[25-28].In a manuscript focusing on the time saved with use of microvascular couplers, Rozenet al.[29]concluded a significant reduction in venous anastomotic time when coupling (4 min) compared to suturing (22 min) without an increase in complications.In situations where end-to-side coupling is required (typically to the internal jugular vein stump or vein proper), DeLacureet al.[30]found that they were able to successfully complete the venous anastomosis via the coupler in 33 of 37 (89%) attempted cases.While the authors did find additional challenges in coupling to a previously radiated or dissected vessel, with technical modifications they were able to largely avoid having to convert to suture technique.There are criticisms for the use of microvascular couplers, the most significant being the additional cost in using this technology.The cost is higher than that of microvascular sutures, however, this may be mitigated by the operation time saved when utilizing a coupler device.A study exploring the economic cost of microvascular couplers found that the coupler device increased the initial cost by $284.40.However, when the reduction of operative time (16.9 min) was factored, $234.89 of savings was estimated with each coupler anastamosis[31].

The use of microvascular coupler for the artery has been more controversial.Arteries can be technically challenging to couple due to the lack of pliability and difficulty everting the arterial tissue over the pins.Arteries have thicker walls and may be affected by atherosclerotic disease and radiation induced thrombosis in patients with prior radiation to the field.Earlier literature on microvascular coupling of the artery has reported concerns for increased thrombosis rates[32-34].However, recent studies have provided more support for arterial coupling.In a systematic review of microvascular couplers used in arterial anastomosis, Gundaleet al.[35]reported good success rates with low rates of thrombosis.In this study, the rate of thrombosis with arterial coupling was reported to be 1.9%.Additionally, computational fluid dynamic models have shown a more thrombogenic profile in a sutured anastomosis when compared to a coupled vessel[36].

There are novel devices engineered to assist with microvascular arterial coupling.The vessel everter device assists with securing the arterial wall to the coupler pin.As mentioned earlier, the thicker walls of the artery makes it difficult to sequentially couple the arterial vessel wall over the pins.The everter device helps to overcome this challenge by simultaneously everting and securing the arterial wall over the coupler pins[37].This vessel coupler is used with the microvascular coupler.It is indicated for coupler sizes 2.0 to 4.0 mm and not recommended for smaller sizes.It is also contraindicated in patients with silicone allergies.The instrument is shaped like a pen with a silicone tip that tapers distally.The tip is designed to fit into the end of the artery and compress the arterial wall and silicone elastomer to the engaged pins.The instrument is then withdrawn leaving the vessel wall engaged onto the pins.Preliminary animal studies using the device have shown successful arterial anastomosis more easily and efficiently with comparable outcomes to handsuturing[37].This device is currently undergoing evaluation for commercial availability (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Birmingham, AL).

There are several scenarios where microsurgeons should be cautious in utilizing arterial couplers.This includes situations of significant atherosclerotic or radiated vessel where intimal injury can result from eversion onto a coupler pin.In addition, some literature warns against coupling arteries where there is significant vessel mismatch (greater than 1.5:1 diameter mismatch) and arteries less than 1.5 mm in diameter[38,39].The preference at our institution is to use the microvascular coupler for the vein and handsuture the artery.However, we have found situations where the arterial coupler is valuable including in salvage settings where initial hand-suturing resulted in arterial anastomotic thrombosis[40].

Three-dimensional exoscope

Magnification is necessary for FTT and has been traditionally accomplished through the use of operating microscopes or surgical loupes.The 3D stereoscopic camera based viewing systems are the newest technology allowing for such magnification.This technology is also referred to as extracorporal telescopes, or exoscopes.The system consists of a compact high definition 3D camera placed approximately 20 to 50 cm above the surgical field.A sterile cover is placed over the 3D camera and controller allowing the surgeon to make adjustments in position, zoom, and focus.The real-time image is projected onto one or more 3D high-resolution monitors placed in front of the surgeon.3D polarization glasses are worn by the operators to provide depth to the image[41].The exoscope can be used during dissection and/or during the microvascular anastomosis.

There are several commercially available systems including the VITOM (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), ORBEYE (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), Modus V (Synaptive Medical, Toronto, Canada), and KINEVO (Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany) exoscope[42].The majority of the literature on exoscope use in head and neck microvascular surgery utilizes the VITOM and ORBEYE system.There are differences between the platforms.VITOM is essentially a high-resolution endoscope mounted on a pneumatic arm.The ORBEYE and Modus V are free standing exoscopes - the ORBEYE offers 3D imaging while the Modus V provides a 2-dimentional (2D) image.Finally, the KINEVO is an operating microscope that can be converted into an exoscope[42].

This technology has been more widely utilized in neurosurgery and less so in head and neck microvascular surgery.Microvascular anastomosis using the 3D exoscope has been demonstrated in animal and laboratory simulation studies[41,43]and, more recently, in clinical application.In 2012, Chenget al.[44]reported the use of a 3D stereoscopic monitor system, in conjunction with the conventional microscope, in FTT microvascular anastomosis.In 2017, Piatkowskiet al.[45]successfully performed breast FTT reconstruction using just the 3D exoscope.Since then, multiple studies have shown that 3D exoscopes can be safely and successfully used in FTT microvascular anastomosis[46-49].Furthermore, subjective advantages include favorable ergonomics, excellent image quality, and ease of intraoperative use[50].

There are several advantages of the exoscope over the conventional operating microscopes.One of the major reported advantages of the exoscopes is superior ergonomics.Chronic neck and back problems can result from neck flexion to position appropriately to ocular lenses or surgical loupes.Users of the exoscope have noted improved ergonomics and minimized need to adjust posture and position during use[43,50].Ultimately, improved surgeon ergonomics may reduce surgeon long term disability and increase career longevity[50].The operating microscope also has a larger footprint occupying more space in the operating room (OR) when compared to the generally more compact exoscope.The exoscope is also valuable for teaching purposes.The exoscope allows surgical trainees and assistants to have the same visualization as the senior surgeon.With the traditional operative microscopes, all other members of the surgical team, aside from the senior surgeon, may have a 2D or inferior view.Studies have also noted that procedures on the exoscope are easy to learn, and simulation studies have shown progressive improvement in performance with repetition[43].

Disadvantages of the exoscope include the low depth of field and loss of resolution at higher magnifications[45].There is debate on whether the image quality may be inferior to that of an operating microscope[45], although other studies note superior clarity and sharpness with the exoscope[41].In addition, there were surgeon complaints of headaches and nausea with the earlier versions of the 3D optics.This issue seems to be much improved with newer versions of these exoscopes[42].Also, in several small studies, microvascular anastomosis using the exoscope did take longer compared to that using the operative microscope[44,45].However, a recent pilot study by Ahmadet al.[50]showed no difference in operative time.In addition, there was no difference in ischemia time or microsurgical complications between the exoscope and traditional microscope group.

Another necessary consideration is the cost of this technology.The estimated cost of the two most commonly used exoscope systems in head and neck microvascular surgery, the VITOM and ORBEYE, is $200,000 and $400,000, respectively[42].The cost accounts for multiple components including the exoscope camera, scope holder, 4K high definition monitor, and 3D glasses.In comparison, operating microscopes can vary in cost, with start-up ranges from approximately $250,000 to over $500,000[50].A justification for this cost may be the utility of this technology by multiple surgical specialties, ability to use in both dissection and microvascular anastomosis, and improved ergonomics for the operative surgeon to increase overall career longevity.

In our institution, we have trialed the exoscope technology, but have not utilized this in routine practice.The operative microscope continues to be our standard of practice.There are various technologies that can provide comparable magnification during FTT; the exoscope may have advantages as far as ergonomics.

Fluorescent angiography

Fluorescent angiography using indocyanine green (ICG) can be an excellent resource in assessing flap vascular perfusion.ICG is a fluorescent dye that is administered intravenously and remains in the intravascular compartment.After injection, the dye can perfuse through vascular pedicles into the subdermal and subcutaneous plexus.It has an absorption spectrum of 800 nm and can be detected using an infrared camera to confirm adequate flap perfusion.Historically, it was used to measure hepatic and cardiac function but has been widely adopted for use in ophthalmology and microvascular surgery[51].

There are multiple companies that utilize this technology: IC View (Pulsion Medical Systems, Munich, Germany), PDE (Hamamatsu Photonics, Shizuoka, Japan), Quest Spectrum (Quest, Middenmeer, Netherlands), among many others.At our institution, we use the SPY Elite (Stryker, Kalamazoos, MI), which is a standalone camera system mounted onto a workstation for video output and data storage.There are also portable handheld models as well as systems integrated into operating microscopes that work via an infrared camera (Leica, Wetzlar, Germany)[52].Typically, ICG is stored in powder form.This is reconstituted in saline or sterile water and given through a rapid intravenous bolus.For free flap imaging, we typically use a standard dose of 10 mg.After injection, the camera system is directed into the area of interest and perfusion can be assessed.

ICG has a well-established safety profile.In a large study from 1994, Hope-Rosset al.[53]examined 1923 tests in 1225 patients and found an incidence of 0.15%, 0.2%, and 0.05% for mild, moderate, and severe reactions, respectively.No deaths were noted.While rare cases of anaphylaxis have been described[54], intraoperative use should be quite safe given that the patient remains under monitored anesthesia care for an extended time following exposure.Caution should be taken in patients with iodine allergy, pregnancy, liver disease, uremia, and previous anaphylaxis to intravenous dye[53].ICG is metabolized by the liver and has a short halflife of 3 to 4 min.The rapid turnover allows for repeated use throughout the same case, if necessary.

Fluorescence angiography has multiple applications in free flap surgery.It can be used to assess arterial perfusion of the flap through the overall fluorescence of the skin paddle.This gives confirmation that the arterial anastomosis is patent, and that perforators have been preserved.It can also be used to look for relative venous insufficiency by comparing the flap to surrounding native tissue.Oversaturation can suggest some level of venous congestion.Finally, it is a useful adjunct in determining the pattern of perforator distribution.This allows the surgeon to split the skin paddle safely as well as discard distal areas of skin that may have suboptimal blood supply[53].

Some surgeons use ICG angiography routinely in every FTT.At our institution, we have found clinical and visual assessment to be adequate for most cases.We reserve the SPY for use in complex cases involving large skin paddles, multiple perforators, or if there is a clinical concern for inadequate perfusion.

POSTOPERATIVE

While overall success rates for FTT exceeds 95%, the need for revision surgery remains significant at 10% to 12%[55].Timeliness is particularly important in identifying a potential issue with a FTT, as there exists a finite window where the flap can be salvaged while under-perfused or congested.While clinical assessment by an experienced microvascular surgeon is the gold standard, it is not practical to have this be the only measure of flap monitoring during the critical 48 to 72 h window where there is greatest risk for arterial or venous thrombosis.As such, the need for a sensitive and specific adjunct flap monitoring technique is crucial, particularly in the era of strict resident duty hour monitoring and increasing turnover of nursing staff.These adjunct techniques serve to complement a basic clinical examination and provide objective data with which microvascular surgeons can assess the need for possible revision surgery.The techniques vary greatly in terms of ease of use, cost of implementation, and overall specificity and sensitivity.This section will explore the basics of newer technologies in adjunct free flap vascular monitoring, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

Implantable dopplers (arterial and venous)

The implantable doppler technology consists of a 20-MHz pulsed ultrasonic probe within a silicone cuff that can be secured to the vascular pedicle (either artery or vein) via sutures, surgical clips, or tissue sealants[56].The potential advantage of this technology is that it provides real-time assessment of flow through the vascular pedicle and can alert clinicians to alteration of arterial flow or compromise of venous drainage in advance of clinically detectable changes in the free flap.The disadvantage largely relates to over-reliance on the technology in lieu of clinical assessment, leading to a potentially significant false-positive rate in the event of device dislodgement or failure.A meta-analysis of 22 articles comparing post-operative outcomes between an implantable doppler group and a clinical assessment group found a significantly lower free flap failure rate (2.11%vs.4.21%) and an improved flap salvage rate (83%vs.59%)[57].

At our institution, we utilize implantable dopplers for the majority of our mucosal reconstructions.We have found that continuous, real-time monitoring in the OR after microvascular anastomosis has allowed us to identify alterations in flap perfusion related to fluctuations in the patient’s blood pressure.This helps establish a minimum blood pressure goal for the anesthesiologist to titrate toward to maintain ideal flap perfusion.Specifically, if there is an alteration or loss of signal correlated to a decrease in blood pressure, we will titrate the blood pressure up to establish a minimum perfusion goal.Furthermore, the continuous monitoring while completing inset or closing the neck wounds provides an additional safeguard against unfavorable pedicle positioning, potential compression with skin flaps, or alterations in flow secondary to placement of a suction drain.Postoperatively, we have found that it provides reliable monitoring of flow through the arterial anastomosis, however we do not rely on it for assessment of the venous pedicle.

A study by Swartzet al.[58]demonstrated that relying on an arterial probe to detect downstream venous thromboses led to an increased rate of false negatives; further laboratory analysis demonstrated that an arterial probe required a mean 220 ± 40 min to detect venous thromboses, compared to a mean 6.08 ± 2.4 min for a venous probe to detect venous thromboses.The caveat with this, however, is that utilization of venous probes can lead to a higher false-positive rate (up to 33%), secondary to probe dislodgement, fibrin coating, or global device malfunction[57].

The implantable doppler has proven itself to be a useful adjunct in the overall assessment of free flaps postoperatively, particularly for monitoring of flap perfusion where there is evidence for earlier time to flap salvage and resultant improved overall outcomes[59].It is additionally useful for buried free flaps, providing continuous and reliable monitoring.Effective utilization does require troubleshooting pedicle geometry, particular in crowded anatomic spaces in the head and neck, as well as overall caregiver consciousness of protecting the external segment of the monitoring probe.Future upgrades may include more widespread use wireless monitoring capabilities, potentially reducing existing issues with probe dislodgement.

Color duplex doppler ultrasonography

Color doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive, cheap, and repeatable tool that can be used to assess arterial and venous flow as an adjunct for overall FTT assessment.Studies have typically described utilizing a 5 or 5.5 MHz linear transducer ultrasound probe with a real-time high resolution ultrasonography machine[60].Knowledge of the location of the pedicle (denoted by a stitch or marker) allows the user to perform realtime ultrasonography to identify and trace the pedicle from its origin in the free flap to its course into the recipient vessel.From a flap monitoring perspective, the proposed advantages of this technology include the ability to monitor buried or covered flaps, assess the health of the artery and vein in parallel to one another, and assist with assessing the exact site of obstruction in the event of a geometrical issue or an occluded vessel[60-62].A case series discussion by Sereset al.[60]demonstrates how color ultrasonography can provide additional information when venous congestion is of concern, particularly in cases of hematomas or free flap swelling.In all three of their described cases, the authors were able to avoid returning to the OR by confirming adequate flow through the vein via color doppler ultrasound.Further studies have found a role for color ultrasonography as a means of evaluating the loss of implantable Doppler probe signals in buried free flaps, where clinical assessment cannot distinguish between device malfunction and true flap compromise[62].

Limitations of color Doppler ultrasonography relate to the overall cost of owning the machine and degree of knowledge and skill required to perform the imaging and accurately assess the flow through the pedicle[61].While it is likely not feasible to train nursing staff in performing ultrasonography as part of FTT assessment, as ultrasound use becomes more widespread overall, a greater proportion of residents are becoming familiar with its use.Additionally, as ultrasound technology becomes increasingly mobile where touch-screen devices and personal cellphones are being utilized as the screens, the need for transporting larger and more costly equipment will decrease.

At our center, we do not currently utilize color ultrasonography as part of routine free flap assessment.However, as the technology becomes increasingly portable and the imaging techniques become more ingrained within the training curriculum, we do feel that it has an important role as an adjunctive measure for flap monitoring, particularly for re-operative decision making.

Near-infrared spectrophotoscopy

Near-infrared spectrophotoscopy (NIRS) technology employs a light source to emit energy at specific nearinfrared wavelengths in order to measure relative changes in concentration of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin[63].The spectrometer typically measures relative changes in tissue concentrations of hemoglobin and presents the findings as an alteration in percentage of saturated hemoglobin (StO2).This requires attachment of a probe to the patient’s free flap, with the use of a light-blocking shield to prevent ambient light intrusion, typically placed at the time of initial surgery[63].The surgical team must then decide a threshold value where the spectrometer will alert the clinician, typically an absolute reading of StO2below 30% to 50% or a certain drop rate percentage over a set amount of time[64].Proposed advantages of this adjunctive technology include its overall reliability, noninvasive nature, and ability to distinguish the source of the vascular crisis[65].A systematic review demonstrated an improvement in surgical salvage rate and flap failure rate between NIRS monitored groups and those that did not use NIRS[64].Disadvantages associated with NIRS system include inconsistency in alarm threshold values, potential need for repositioning of the spectrometer sensors, retail price of the sensor and the spectrometer, and inability to be used for buried flaps or flaps with a small cutaneous component.

With the head and neck FTT practice at our institution, given the number of free flaps that are mucosal, that have small monitoring paddles, or that are entirely buried, we have not found it practical to invest in this technology.Its application, in our estimation, is most useful for flaps with large cutaneous surfaces that are easily accessible.

Laser doppler flowmetry

Laser doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non-invasive technology that allows for continuous monitoring of vascular perfusion.Briefly, the device consists of a specialized fiber optic probe that is secured to the cutaneous surface of a FTT for the purpose of measuring microcirculatory changes via an induced doppler shift[66].Centers that utilize LDF typically describe a 48 to 72 h monitoring window where nursing staff or residents record flow values and notify the microvascular surgeons if there is a predetermined decrease in flow over a particular period of time[67].Studies have determined that the flowmeter is able to output value changes indicative of flap compromise 1 to 3 h ahead of a change in the clinical appearance of the flap, thereby decreasing the time to revision[68].They additionally report on a low or non-existent false positive rate[67,68].Proponents of the LDF system cite its reliability, accuracy, and negligible overall false-positive and false-negative rates[67].Disadvantages of the system include complexities in data interpretation, particularly between arterial and venous thromboses, technical issues if affixed to a dynamic free flap, inability to monitor buried flaps, and overall cost of adopting the system[69].At our institution, we have not utilized LDF as an adjunct in free tissue monitoring.

Digital infrared surface thermometer monitoring

Gross temperature assessment via palpation has long been a principle of overall clinical flap monitoring.Early proponents attempted to assess for temperature change via surface temperature monitoring.Kannan[70]were able to demonstrate a positive correlation between flap microcirculation and flap surface temperature, although this was less reliable for venous thrombosis in comparison to arterial thrombosis.A study by Khouri and Shaw[71]demonstrated a sensitivity of 98% and a predictive value of 75% in identifying a microvascular thrombosis.While surface temperature recordings are naturally affected by normal skin temperature fluctuations, a previous case series by Baudetet al.[72]noted that an acute drop in temperature of 3 °C or more was found to be correlated with arterial compromise.With advances in technology, some investigators who rely on temperature changes as a means for flap monitoring have begun utilizing noncontact infrared thermometers in place of surface contact thermometers.A retrospective review of free flap failures by Papillionet al.[73]demonstrated a temperature difference between flaps that survived and those that were ultimately unable to be salvaged.Specifically, the authors found a temperature difference of 2.6 to 5.4 °C between the FTT tissue and adjacent skin in the failing flap group[73].Additional studies have been further able to correlate alterations in flap temperature obtained via a digital infrared thermometer to changes in capillary blood flow and hemoglobin oxygenation[74].Clear advantages of this adjunct include ease of use, lack of reliance on contact technology that could malfunction or become dislodged, relative accuracy, and low overall adoption cost.Potential disadvantages include lack of standardized alarm thresholds, a difficulty in accounting for natural surface temperature fluctuations or those fluctuations associated with a systemic process, and that temperature change may potentially be a late finding in the overall picture of flap compromise[73].At our institution, our residents and nursing staff are taught to evaluate for gross temperature changes as part of their clinical assessment, however we do not formally utilize surface contact thermometry or infrared thermometry as part of our adjunctive monitoring measures.

DISCUSSION

This review article references and discusses many of the commonly implemented and upcoming technologies that has been utilized in the field of FTT today.While there are proponents to each of these advances - be it more detailed preoperative imaging modalities, improved microsurgical optics, or more sensitive postoperative adjuncts - they must be weighed against the burgeoning costs of healthcare delivery.Adoption of new technology can be exciting, however a responsible practice needs to inform their decision with objective improvement in patient outcomes and/or decrease in operative timing as it pertains to their specific institution.Furthermore, cost saving via reducing operative time needs to be carefully assessed on an individual institutional level, as a minor decrease may not necessarily translate to an appreciable reduction in operative costs.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant amount of technology that can be applied in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative setting to further optimize FTT outcomes and efficiency.These technologies continue to evolve and is an exciting area of research.It is imperative for head and neck surgeons to be aware of these technological advances and apply them to clinical practice as seen fit and as local resources and practices allow.

DECLARATIONS

Authors’ contributions

Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study and performed data analysis and interpretation: Ali SA, Tamaki A, Thuener JE, Li S

Made substantial contributions to conception and design of the study, as well as provided administrative and technical support: Fowler N, Lavertu P, Teknos TN, Rezaee RP

Availability of data and materials

Not applicable.

Financial support and sponsorship

None.

Conflicts of interest

Dr.Rod P.Rezaee is a consultant for Zimer Biomet (Warsaw, IN).All other authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.

Ethical approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Copyright

? The Author(s) 2021.