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Plastic surgery / burn medicine

In plastic surgery, HSI technology is used, among other things, for the dynamic and pathophysiological assessment of flap plastics, grafts, and burn wounds. Poorly perfused flap plastics are not necessarily clinically noticeable visually for up to 72 hours after surgery. However, by the time poor perfusion can be detected, the skin flaps are already in poorer condition, thus more difficult to save, and cause greater revision effort.

With the TIVITA® Tissue it is possible for the doctor to identify oxygenation and perfusion problems in skin flaps, such as arterial insufficiencies and venous congestion, at an early stage and to initiate immediate corrective measures. This can reduce complications and significantly improve treatment outcomes after plastic reconstructive surgery.

Flapplasty
HSI images of a pedunculated latissimus dorsi flap plastid. (a) color image, (b) StO2, (c) THI, (d) NIR perfusion index, (e) TWI, (f) exemplary absorption spectra. A clearly increased hemoglobin content is shown in the necrotic low-perfused flap portions. (Image source: Schulz T et al. Hyperspectral imaging for postoperative flap monitoring of locoregional flap plastic surgery. Handchir Microchir Plast Chir 2020; 52: 316-324)

 

Furthermore, HSI technology provides a useful tool for objective assessment and evaluation of burns and their healing processes as well as for early prognosis of burn depth.

Burn
Assessment of a burn wound of the right hand by HSI. RGB images (a,b) with clearly visible blistering; increased StO2 (c), tissue haemoglobin index (d) and NIR perfusion index in the area of the burn. (Image source: Promny D et al [Objective burn depth assessment of hand burns]. Handchir Microchir Plast Chir. 2019 Sep;51(5):362-366)