Abstract
The use of thermography for the identification of cutaneous “hot spots” that coincide
with perforators is not a new concept, but the required professional cameras may be
prohibitively expensive. Only relatively recently, incredibly cheap but adequate thermal
imaging cameras have become available that work in concert with the ubiquitous cell
phone. This can now serve as a rapid, accurate, and complementary method for finding
a perforator sufficient to serve as the hub for a perforator pedicled propeller flap.
In addition, the preferred direction of rotation about that hub, effect of flap insetting
on perfusion, and then postoperative monitoring are possible by proper interpretation
of corresponding thermograms. Every reconstructive surgeon should be able to obtain
this device, and then easily learn what potential attributes for them are available
when planning a propeller flap.
Keywords
smartphone - thermography - thermal imaging camera - perforator pedicled propeller
flap
