Application of ThermalCAMTM P40-Infrared Thermographic Imaging in the Monitoring of Survival of Lower Abdominal Random Flap in the Rabbit

The monitoring of viability of the flap is important in improvement of the flap survival. The flap survival depends on the vascularity of the flap, and the skin temperature is up to the vascularity. The authors applied Thermal P40 infrared thermographic imaging system for the monitoring of the vascular supply of the flap. The various sized flaps are designed on the lower abdomen of rabbit, having expected risk rate of flap necrosis respectively. The surface temperatures on designed flap were checked with Thermal P40 before flap elevation and after respectively. The flaps with high risk of necrosis, 1:4(width/length) designed flaps and some 1:3 flaps, showed remarkable color change in distal portion according to difference of surface temperatures. After 1 week, the flaps of lower abdomen showed different viability of flap, and the flap with remarkable color change showed partial necrosis distally. The Necrotic areas were identical with the color change area checked with Thermal P40. This study shows that Thermal P40 infrared thermographic imaging system has the utility in prediction on flap survival through detection of the vascularity with ease, quickness and safety for patient and flap.