In reconstructive surgery, free flap failure, especially in complex osteocutaneous reconstructions, represents a significant clinical burden. Therefore, the aim of the presented study was to assess hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for monitoring of free flaps compared to clinical monitoring. In a prospective, non-randomized clinical study, patients with free flap reconstruction of the oro-maxillofacial-complex were included. Monitoring was assessed clinically and by using hyperspectral imaging (TIVITA™ Tissue-System, DiaspectiveVision GmbH, Pepelow, Germany) to determine tissue-oxygen-saturation [StO2], near-infrared-perfusion-index [NPI], distribution of haemoglobin [THI] and water [TWI], and variance to an adjacent reference area (Δreference). A total of 54 primary and 11 secondary reconstructions were performed including fasciocutaneous and osteocutaneous flaps. Re-exploration was performed in 19 cases. A total of seven complete flap failures occurred, resulting in a 63% salvage rate. Mean time from flap inset to decision making for re-exploration based on clinical assessment was 23.1 ± 21.9 vs. 18.2 ± 19.4 h by the appearance of hyperspectral criteria indicating impaired perfusion (StO2 ≤ 32% OR StO2Δreference > -38% OR NPI ≤ 32.9 OR NPIΔreference ≥ -13.4%) resulting in a difference of 4.8 ± 5 h (p < 0.001). HSI seems able to detect perfusion compromise significantly earlier than clinical monitoring. These findings provide an interpretation aid for clinicians to simplify postoperative flap monitoring.
Keywords: HSI; head and neck; hyperspectral signature; non-contact; non-invasive; objective; reconstruction; timely recognition.