Advances in the application of infrared thermal imaging in flap surgery / 中华显微外科杂志

ABSTRACT

The location of perforator vessel and blood supply of the flap are the most concerned issues in flap surgery. Recently, infrared thermography (IRT) has been gradually applied in flap surgery as a portable, non-invasive, rapid and economical measure. It detects the infrared radiation emitted by the human body and accurately describes the thermal distribution on the surface of tissues. This review summarizes the application of infrared thermography in different aspects including perforator detection and perfusion monitoring. This review also summarizes the potential value of the use of infrared thermography to provide references and assistance for clinicians in improvement of surgical outcomes in the flap surgery.