Clinical Application: Reconstructive Microsurgery
Using T-Stat in Reconstructive Microsurgery
One of the greatest needs in plastic surgery is a successful and reliable way to monitor skin flap perfusion after microsvascular, reconstructive procedures. Early visual signs of ischemic flaps are unreliable and hard to detect. Currently there are a few devices on the market, but none of them are the true answer to what the industry has been looking for. The key components that would satisfy the likes of surgeons and staff while monitoring post-op are:
a non-invasive and easy to place sensor that will not harm nor hurt the flap or patient
rapid response time with continuous results
reliable, reproducible and accurate readings
an easy to use monitor that is understandable to both surgeons and nursing staff
The T-Stat VLS Tissue Oximeter answers these concerns using VLS (Visible Light Spectroscopy) for a near absolute microvascular and capillary weighted reading within the flap. The surface sensors are both non-invasive and provide stable and consistent readings. T-Stat is easy to operate and has a user-friendly touchscreen interface. The real-time saturation, as well as hemoglobin may be viewed for up to 5 days.
“When using T-Stat as an adjunct monitor, the StO2% reading provides an added level of confidence that improves treatment plans, and helps bedside staff feel more confident while monitoring patients.”
What People Are Saying
“The T-Stat allows for accurate and precise continuous flap monitoring. This translates to earlier detection of flap malperfusion, which equates to a greater likelihood of flap salvage. The device is easy to use and interpret for the nursing staff, and the online interface essentially allows the surgeon to check in on the flap from anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.”
— Alexander F. Mericli, MD
MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX
“T-Stat is a reliable method of flap monitoring that uniquely measures both oxygen saturation as well as hemoglobin levels, enabling differentiation between an arterial and a venous compromise. This device provides a dynamic assessment of flap perfusion, therefore improving microsurgery outcomes. I have found it to be a very accurate method of flap monitoring and enjoy the ability to see the graph on my mobile phone, and nurses find the device to be user-friendly.”
— Aldona J. Spiegel, MD
Weill Cornell Medical College, TX
Director, The Center for Breast Restoration
Houston Methodist Institute for Reconstructive Surgery
“The timely recognition of perfusion problems in a flap can mean the difference between success and failure. The t-Stat provides an immediate and objective measurement of flap perfusion that can accurately detect both venous and arterial problems before they may be evident by conventional flap monitoring techniques, including the implantable Doppler.”
— David Chang, M.D
CPMC, Sutter Alta Bates CA.