Cryosurgery of eyelid actinic keratosis and the effect of adrenaline in local anesthetics - temperature mapping using IR thermography.

PURPOSE: The efficacy of cryosurgery is believed to depend on the thaw time. The presence of adrenaline in local anesthetics affects blood perfusion, and may thus also affect the thaw time. The aim of the present study was to use IR thermography to monitor the tissue temperature during cryosurgery of actinic keratosis, and to assess the effect of adrenaline in local anesthetics. METHODS: Twelve patients with actinic keratosis in the periorbital region underwent cryosurgery. The temperature was continuously mapped using a high-precision IR camera and was also visually assessed by the surgeon. The results obtained when employing local anesthetics with and without adrenaline were compared. RESULTS: The temperature change during thawing showed a triphasic pattern. The thaw time was significantly longer when using an anesthetic with adrenaline. This was observed with both IR thermography and by visual observation. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that a longer freezing time may be needed when using a local anesthetic without adrenaline to achieve the same cryo-effect as when using a local anesthetic with adrenaline. A larger clinical trial is needed on the effects of using local anesthetics with and without adrenaline to treat actinic keratosis, for example, the clearance rate, before recommendations can be made concerning their use.

Functional and molecular 3D mapping of angiosarcoma tumor using non-invasive laser speckle, hyperspectral, and photoacoustic imaging.

PURPOSE: The gold standard for skin cancer diagnosis is surgical excisional biopsy and histopathological examination. Several non-invasive diagnostic techniques exist, although they have not yet translated into clinical use. This is a proof-of-concept study to assess the possibility of imaging an angiosarcoma in the periocular area. METHODS: We use laser speckle, hyperspectral, and photoacoustic imaging to monitor blood perfusion and oxygen saturation, as well as the molecular composition of the tissue. The information obtained from each imaging modality was combined in order to yield a more comprehensive picture of the function, as well as molecular composition of a rapidly growing cutaneous angiosarcoma in the periocular area. RESULTS: We found an increase in perfusion coupled with a reduction in oxygen saturation in the angiosarcoma. We could also extract the molecular composition of the angiosarcoma at a depth, depicting both the oxygen saturation and highlighting the presence of connective tissue via collagen. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the different physiological parameters that can be obtained with the different techniques and how these can be combined to provide detailed 3D maps of the functional and molecular properties of tumors useful in preoperative assessment.

The effect of traction force on eyelid blood perfusion during closure of defects.

PURPOSE: In oculoplastic surgery the eyelid tissue is frequently stretched in order to repair defects after tumor surgery. However, there is a paucity of research regarding how stretching affects eyelids. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how traction force affects eyelid stretch as well as tissue perfusion, using a laser-based in vivo monitoring technique. METHOD: Lower-lid pentagonal resections were performed in eight patients and a total of nine eyelids. The medial section of the eyelid was then stretched using a dynamometer up to a force of 2.3 Newtons (N), and eyelid stretching and blood perfusion were continuously measured using laser speckle contrast imaging. RESULTS: Tissue perfusion decreased exponentially when eyelid tissue was stretched, with an initial sharp decline followed by a more gradual reduction. Perfusion approached zero at a force of approximately 2.0 N. The length of the eyelid increased with increasing force up to 1.5 N, after which there was only a very slight increase in length. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid tissue seems to respond to traction in a non-linear fashion, where the initial force results in the greatest eyelid stretching and reduction in blood perfusion. The results provide information on the effects of a large force for direct closure of large eyelid defects. Considering how quickly perfusion approaches zero, the high success rate of eyelid reconstruction surgery is likely a testament to the extensive vascularization of the periocular region.

Oxygen saturation mapping during reconstructive surgery of human forehead flaps with hyperspectral imaging and spectral unmixing.

BACKGROUND: Optical spectroscopy is commonly used clinically to monitor oxygen saturation in tissue. The most commonly employed technique is pulse oximetry, which provides a point measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation and is commonly used for monitoring systemic hemodynamics, e.g. during anesthesia. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an emerging technology that enables spatially resolved mapping of oxygen saturation in tissue (sO2), but needs to be further developed before implemented in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the applicability of HSI for mapping the sO2 in reconstructive surgery and demonstrate how spectral analysis can be used to obtain clinically relevant sO2 values. METHODS: Spatial scanning HSI was performed on cutaneous forehead flaps, raised as part of a direct brow lift, in eight patients. Pixel-by-pixel spectral analysis, accounting for the absorption from multiple chromophores, was performed and compared to previous analysis techniques to assess sO2. RESULTS: Spectral unmixing using a broad spectral range, and accounting for the absorption of melanin, fat, collagen, and water, provided a more clinically relevant estimate of sO2 than conventional techniques, where typically only spectral features associated with absorption of oxygenated (HbO2) and deoxygenated (HbR) hemoglobin are considered. We demonstrate its clinical applicability by generating sO2 maps of partially excised forehead flaps showed a gradual decrease in sO2 along the length of the flap from 95 % at the flap base to 85 % at the flap tip. After being fully excised, sO2 in the entire flap decreased to 50 % within a few minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the capability of sO2 mapping in reconstructive surgery in patients using HSI. Spectral unmixing, accounting for multiple chromophores, provides sO2 values that are in accordance with physiological expectations in patients with normal functioning microvascularization. Our results suggest that HSI methods that yield reliable spectra are to be preferred, so that the analysis can produce results that are of clinical relevance.

Exhaled phospholipid transfer protein and hepatocyte growth factor receptor in lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Screening decreases mortality among lung cancer patients but is not widely implemented, thus there is an unmet need for an easily accessible non-invasive method to enable early diagnosis. Particles in exhaled air offer a promising such diagnostic tool. We investigated the validity of a particles in exhaled air device (PExA) to measure the particle flow rate (PFR) and collect exhaled breath particles (EBP) to diagnose primary lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS: Seventeen patients listed for resection of LUAD stages IA-IIIA and 18 non-cancer surgical control patients were enrolled. EBP were collected before and after surgery for LUAD, and once for controls. Proteomic analysis was carried out using a proximity extension assay technology. Results were validated in both plasma from the same cohort and with microarray data from healthy lung tissue and LUAD tissue in the GSE10072 dataset. RESULTS: Of the 92 proteins analyzed, levels of five proteins in EBP were significantly higher in the LUAD patients compared to controls. Levels of phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (MET) decreased in LUAD patients after surgery compared to control patients. PFR was significantly higher in the LUAD cohort at all timepoints compared to the control group. MET in plasma correlated significantly with MET in EBP. CONCLUSION: Collection of EBP and measuring of PFR has never been performed in patients with LUAD. In the present study PFR alone could distinguish between LUAD and patients without LUAD. PLTP and MET were identified as potential biomarkers to evaluate successful tumor excision.

The role of mechanical ventilation in primary graft dysfunction in the postoperative lung transplant recipient: A single center study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is still a major complication in patients undergoing lung transplantation (LTx). Much is unknown about the effect of postoperative mechanical ventilation on outcomes, with debate on the best approach to ventilation. AIM/PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to generate hypotheses on the association between postoperative mechanical ventilation settings and allograft size matching in PGD development. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of LTx patients between September 2011 and September 2018 (n = 116). PGD was assessed according to the International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT) criteria. Data were collected from medical records, including chest x-ray assessments, blood gas analysis, mechanical ventilator parameters and spirometry. RESULTS: Positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) of 5 cm H2 O were correlated with lower rates of grade 3 PGD. Graft size was important as tidal volumes calculated according to the recipient yielded greater rates of PGD when low volumes were used, a correlation that was lost when donor metrics were used. CONCLUSION: Our results highlight a need for greater investigation of the role donor characteristics play in determining post-operative ventilation of a lung transplant recipient. The mechanical ventilation settings on postoperative LTx recipients may have an implication for the development of acute graft dysfunction. Severe PGD was associated with the use of a PEEP higher than 5 and lower tidal volumes and oversized lungs were associated with lower long-term mortality. Lack of association between ventilatory settings and survival may point to the importance of other variables than ventilation in the development of PGD.

Perfusion Monitoring During Oculoplastic Reconstructive Surgery: A Comprehensive Review.

PURPOSE: Knowledge of how blood perfusion is affected during and after reconstructive surgery is of great importance to predict the survival of grafts and flaps. When commonly used reconstructive procedures were developed a century ago, they were based on empirical observations of clinical outcome. METHODS: This is a comprehensive literature review that summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding microvascular perfusion monitoring during oculoplastic procedures. RESULTS: Over the years, a number of techniques for perfusion monitoring have been developed as an attempt to be more objective than clinical examination using traditional methods such as observations of skin temperature, turgor, color, smell, and capillary refill time. There are limited publications regarding microvascular perfusion monitoring during reconstructive procedures in the periocular area. Modern laser-based techniques have been attractive due to their noninvasive nature. CONCLUSIONS: Today, modern, noninvasive techniques are available to monitor perfusion during and after surgery. This has increased our knowledge on the perfusion in common oculoplastic surgery procedures. A detailed understanding of how blood perfusion is affected will hopefully allow the improvement of surgical techniques for better clinical outcome.

Mapping of Perfusion During Full-Thickness Blepharotomy Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to monitor how the blood perfusion in human upper eyelids is affected during full-thickness blepharotomy. METHODS: Seven eyelids in 5 patients with upper eyelid retraction due to Graves' disease underwent full-thickness blepharotomy. Perfusion was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging in the eyelid margin and in the conjunctival pedicle. RESULTS: Immediately following the procedure, a nonsignificant reduction in perfusion was observed in the skin of the pretarsal eyelid margin, being 66% of the initial value ( p = n.s.). However, a statistically significant decrease in perfusion, to 53% of the initial value ( p < 0.01), was seen in the central pedicle of the conjunctiva. There were no surgical complications such as infection, signs of ischemia, or bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, eyelid perfusion was mapped during full-thickness blepharotomy for the first time using laser speckle contrast imaging. The results showed that perfusion is sufficiently preserved during surgery, probably due to the rich vascular supply in the periocular region, which may explain the low risk of postoperative complications such as ischemia and infection.

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of the Blood Perfusion in Glabellar Flaps Used to Repair Medial Canthal Defects.

BACKGROUND: The glabellar flap is a common technique for surgical repair after tumor excision in the medial canthal area. However, the outcome may be affected by partial flap necrosis. Little is known about the impact of surgery on blood perfusion and the postoperative course of reperfusion due to the absence of reliable and noninvasive perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim of this study was to use a modern imaging technique to assess blood perfusion in glabellar flaps. METHODS: Glabellar flaps were used to repair medial canthal defects following tumor excision in 7 patients. Blood perfusion was monitored using laser speckle contrast imaging: during surgery, immediately postoperatively (0 weeks), and at follow-up, 1, 3, and 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Perfusion decreased gradually along the length of the flap, and reached a minimum 15 mm from the flap base. Perfusion in the proximal 20 mm of the flap was completely restored after 1 week, while the distal part of the flap was gradually reperfused over 6 weeks. Both the functional and esthetic surgical outcomes were excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid reperfusion of the glabellar flap may be explained by its connection to the vascular network via the flap pedicle. In flaps longer than 20 mm, the distal part can be considered a free skin transplant, and a combination of a glabellar flap and a free skin graft could then be considered.

Blood Perfusion of Human Upper Eyelid Skin Flaps Is Better in Myocutaneous than in Cutaneous Flaps.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to monitor blood perfusion in human upper eyelid skin flaps and examine how the perfusion is affected by the thickness of the flap. METHODS: Twenty upper eyelids were dissected as part of a blepharoplasty procedure in patients. The medial end of the blepharoplasty flap remained attached to mimic a flap design often used in reconstruction in the periocular area, a myocutaneous flap in which the blood supply follows the fibers of the orbicularis muscle and is thus parallel to the long axis of the flap. The muscle was thereafter dissected from the flap to create a cutaneous flap. Blood perfusion in the 2 types of flaps was compared using laser speckle contrast imaging. RESULTS: Blood perfusion decreased gradually from the base to the tip of all the flaps. Perfusion was significantly higher in the myocutaneous flaps than in the cutaneous flaps (p < 0.0004): 69% in the myocutaneous flaps and 43% in the cutaneous flaps, measured 5 mm from the base. Blood perfusion was preserved to a greater extent distally in the myocutaneous flaps (minimum value seen at 25 mm) than in the cutaneous flaps (minimum seen at 11 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Blood perfusion was better preserved in myocutaneous flaps, including both skin and the orbicularis oculi muscle, than in cutaneous flaps. This may be of clinical interest in patients with poor microcirculation in which a long flap is required for reconstructive surgery.

Hyperspectral and Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging for Monitoring the Effect of Epinephrine in Local Anesthetics in Oculoplastic Surgery.

PURPOSE: Epinephrine is used in local anesthetics to induce vasoconstriction and thus reduce bleeding and prolong the anesthetic effect. Finding the optimal delay between the administration of the anesthetic and skin incision to ensure vasoconstriction and minimize bleeding is important and has recently become the subject of debate. This is the first study to assess blood perfusion and oxygen saturation (sO 2 ) simultaneously in response to a local anesthetic containing epinephrine in human oculoplastic surgery. METHODS: A local anesthetic consisting of lidocaine and epinephrine (20 mg/ml + 12.5 µg/ml) was injected in the eyelids of 9 subjects undergoing blepharoplasty. The perfusion and sO 2 of the eyelids were monitored using laser speckle contrast imaging and hyperspectral imaging, respectively. RESULTS: Laser speckle contrast imaging monitoring showed a decrease in perfusion over time centrally at the site of injection. Half-maximum effect was reached after 34 seconds, and full effect after 115 seconds, determined by exponential fitting. The drop in perfusion decreased gradually further away from the injection site and hypoperfusion was less prominent 4 mm from the injection site, with a spatially dependent half-maximum effect of 231 seconds. Hyperspectral imaging showed only a slight decrease in sO 2 of 11 % at the injection site. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal time delay for skin incision in oculoplastic surgery is approximately 2 minutes after the injection of lidocaine with epinephrine. Longer delay does not lead to a further decrease in perfusion. As sO 2 was only slightly reduced after injection, the results indicate that the use of epinephrine is safe in the periocular region.

Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of a Rotational Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Flap Shows Satisfactory Blood Perfusion.

Full-thickness eyelid flaps from the lower eyelid are frequently used to repair larger upper eyelid defects. Perfusion monitoring has recently been implemented in several reconstructive surgical procedures, however, perfusion monitoring of a rotational eyelid flap has not yet been described. The authors' employed laser speckle contrast imaging to monitor blood perfusion in a rotational flap from the lower eyelid, used to cover a large tumor defect in the upper eyelid. Perfusion in the flap decreased by only 50% during surgery and was almost completely restored 5 weeks later at flap division (91%). The excellent surgical outcome in the present case is deemed to be the result of satisfactory blood perfusion of the flap.

Reperfusion of Free Full-Thickness Skin Grafts in Periocular Reconstructive Surgery Monitored Using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

PURPOSE: Free skin grafts are frequently used in reconstructive surgery. However, little is known about the course of reperfusion due to the previous lack of reliable perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim of this study was to use state-of-the-art laser speckle contrast imaging to monitor free skin grafts in the periocular area. METHODS: Seven patients needing surgery due to tumor removal or cicatricial ectropion in the periocular region underwent reconstructive surgery using free skin grafts from either the contralateral upper eyelid or the upper inner arm. The free skin grafts measured 10-30 mm horizontally and 9-30 mm vertically. Blood perfusion was monitored using laser speckle contrast imaging immediately postoperatively (0 weeks) and at follow-up after 1, 3, and 7 weeks. RESULTS: All grafts were reperfused gradually during healing, the median value being 46% in the central part of the graft after 1 week and 79% after 3 weeks. The grafts were completely reperfused after 7 weeks. No difference was observed in the rate of reperfusion between the center and periphery of the grafts (p = not significant). The cosmetic and functional outcome was excellent in all but 1 patient, who developed ectropion that had to be surgically corrected. CONCLUSIONS: Skin grafts in the periorbital area are fully reperfused after 7 weeks. The periocular area is known to be well-vascularized and thus forgiving to reconstructive surgery. Future investigations of the reperfusion of free skin grafts in other parts of the body or in higher-risk populations should be carried out.

Successful Free Bilamellar Eyelid Grafts for the Repair of Upper and Lower Eyelid Defects in Patients and Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging of Revascularization.

PURPOSE: It is generally believed that large eyelid defects must be repaired using a vascularized flap for 1 lamella, while the other can be a free graft. Recent studies indicate that the pedicle of a tarsoconjunctival flap does not contribute to blood perfusion. The purpose of this study was to explore whether large eyelid defects can be repaired using a free bilamellar eyelid autograft alone. METHODS: Ten large upper and lower eyelid defects resulting from tumor excision were reconstructed using bilamellar grafts harvested from the contralateral or opposing eyelid. Revascularization of the flap was monitored during healing using laser speckle contrast imaging, and the surgical outcome was assessed. RESULTS: The functional and cosmetic results were excellent. All grafts survived and there was no tissue necrosis. Only 1 patient underwent revision after 4 days as the sutures came loose. Two patients developed minimal ectropion but needed no reoperation. All patients were satisfied with the surgical results. Perfusion monitoring showed that the grafts were gradually revascularized, exhibiting 50% perfusion after 4 weeks and 90% perfusion after 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: A free bilamellar eyelid graft appears to be an excellent alternative to the tarsoconjunctival flap procedure in the reconstruction of both upper and lower eyelid defects, especially in patients who cannot tolerate visual axis occlusion or the 2-stage procedure of the conventional staged flap procedure.

Revascularization After H-plasty Reconstructive Surgery in the Periorbital Region Monitored With Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

BACKGROUND: H-plasty reconstructive surgery is commonly used to close defects after tumor excision in the periorbital region. Revascularization of the bipedicle skin flaps is essential for healing. However, it has not previously been possible to study this revascularization in humans due to the lack of noninvasive perfusion monitoring techniques. The aim was to monitor perfusion in H-plasty flaps during surgery and during postoperative follow-up, using laser speckle contrast imaging. METHOD: H-plasty, i.e., bipedicle random advancement skin flaps, was used for reconstruction of the eyelids after tumor removal in 7 patients. The median length and width of the skin flaps were 13 mm (range, 8-20 mm) and 10 mm (range, 5-11 mm), respectively. Blood perfusion was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging during surgery and at follow up 1, 3, and 6 weeks postoperatively, to monitor revascularization. RESULTS: Immediately postoperatively, the perfusion in the distal end of the flaps had fallen to 54% (95% CI, 38%-67%). The perfusion then quickly increased during the healing process, being 104% (86%-124%) after 1 week, 115% (94%-129%) after 3 weeks, and 112% (96%-137%) after 6 weeks. There was no clinically observable ischemia or tissue necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Revascularization of the H-plasty procedure flaps occurs quickly, within a week postoperatively, presumably due to the existing vascular network of the flap pedicle, and was not dependent on significant angiogenesis. This perfusion study confirms the general opinion that H-plasty is a good reconstructive technique, especially in the periorbital region with its rich vascular supply.

Spectral Signatures in the Different Layers of the Human Eyelid by Photoacoustic Imaging.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The eyelids are susceptible to a number of skin cancers, which are challenging to excise radically without sacrificing excessive healthy tissue. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is an emerging non-invasive biomedical imaging modality that could potentially be used for intraoperative micrographic control of the surgical margins of eyelid tumors. In this study, non-cancerous human eyelid tissue was characterized using PA as a first step in the development of this technique. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve full-thickness samples from nine patients were analyzed ex vivo using PA imaging. Two-dimensional PA images were acquired using 59 wavelengths in the range of 680-970 nm to obtain the spectral signatures of the skin, orbicularis oculi muscle, and the tarsal plate. Three-dimensional images were obtained by scanning the tissues using a linear stepping motor. Spectral unmixing was performed to visualize the chromophore distribution. RESULTS: The resulting PA spectra could be used to differentiate between the orbicularis oculi muscle and the other two structures (P < 0.05). The signals from the skin and the tarsal plate were more similar in appearance, probably due to similarities in their molecular composition. Spectral unmixing provided a clear visualization of the overall architecture of the eyelids. CONCLUSIONS: PA imaging can be used to differentiate between the orbicularis oculi muscle and the eyelid skin and tarsal plate. The main structures of human eyelids could be visualized in three dimensions using PA imaging. This technique could potentially be used to examine eyelid tumors intraoperatively in the future. However, further studies on tumors in vivo are needed before considering such clinical use. Lasers Surg Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effect of Canthotomy on Blood Perfusion During the Repair of Lower Eyelid Defects.

PURPOSE: Canthotomy is frequently used to mobilize extra tissue when repairing larger lower eyelid defects. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of canthotomy on blood perfusion and oxygen tension. METHODS: Eight pigs underwent a wedge resection of the lower eyelid and canthotomy (with cantholysis involving the lateral palpebral artery). The wedge resection was performed 8, 6, and 4 mm from the canthotomy. Perfusion and oxygen tension were monitored in the eyelid between the wedge resection and canthotomy using laser Doppler velocimetry and a Clark electrode. Verapamil was administered, and measurements were also performed 12 hours after surgery, to investigate the possible effects of vasospasm RESULTS:: The wedge resection alone did not affect perfusion. Canthotomy led to a reduction in perfusion; being 60% when the length of remaining eyelid was 8 mm, 32% when it was 6 mm, and 24% when it was 4 mm. Similar results were observed for oxygen tension. Vasospasm did not affect the results. CONCLUSIONS: Canthotomy in combination with a wedge resection of the lower eyelid affects blood perfusion. A smaller length of remaining eyelid tissue will have less perfusion. This may not have any implications in cases of direct closure, but may play a role when the eyelid is to provide oxygen and nutrients to avascular grafts.

Perfusion in Upper Eyelid Flaps: Effects of Rotation and Stretching Measured With Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging in Patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate how the blood perfusion in human upper eyelid skin flaps is affected by the length of the flap and the degree of stretching and rotation of the flap. METHODS: Twenty-nine upper eyelids were dissected as part of a blepharoplastic procedure in patients. The 1-cm wide proximal end of the flap remains attached, to mimic a random pattern skin flap (hereafter called a "skin flap"). Blood perfusion was measured with laser speckle contrast imaging before and after the flap was stretched with forces of 0.5, 1, and 2 N. The flap was then rotated 90°, and the same tensions were applied. RESULTS: Blood perfusion decreased gradually from the base to the tip of the flap. The flap was only well perfused in the proximal 1 cm (60% at 0.5 cm and 37% at 1.0 cm) and was minimally perfused beyond 2 cm (22% at 2.0 cm). Stretching the nonrotated flaps affected perfusion slightly (decreased to 43% at 0.5 cm). Simply rotating the flaps by 90° had no significant effect on the perfusion. The combination of rotation (90°) and stretching reduced the perfusion to 22% at 2 N, when measured 0.5 cm from the base. CONCLUSIONS: Blood perfusion in upper eyelid skin flaps decreases rapidly with distance from the base of the flap. Rotating and stretching the skin flap reduces blood perfusion even further, leading to minimal perfusion in this kind of flap at distances greater than 1.5 cm from the base.

Blood Perfusion in Rotational Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Flaps Measured by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging.

PURPOSE: Large upper eyelid defects can be repaired by rotational full-thickness lower eyelid flaps. The aim was to measure the blood perfusion in such flaps, and how it is affected by the length of the flaps, and the degree of rotation and stretching. METHODS: Nine patients underwent the Quickert procedure for entropion repair in which a full-thickness eyelid flap of approximate width 0.5 cm and length 2 cm was dissected in the lower eyelid. This generates a full-thickness eyelid flap similar to that used to repair large upper eyelid defects. Perfusion was measured using laser speckle contrast imaging, before and after the flap was rotated 90° and 120°, and stretched using forces of 0.5, 1, and 2 N. RESULTS: Blood perfusion decreased gradually from the base to the tip of the flap; being 75% of the reference value 0.5 cm from the base, 63% at 1.0 cm, 55% at 1.5, 23% at 1.75 cm, and 4% at 2.0 cm. Rotating the flaps by 90° or 120° had little effect on the perfusion. Stretching reduced the perfusion from 63% to 32% at 2 N, when measured at 1 cm. The combination of stretching and rotation did not lead to any further decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Blood perfusion in lower eyelid rotational flaps seems to be more sensitive to stretching than to rotation. Provided the flap is no longer than 1.5 cm, the perfusion will be greater than 20%, even when rotated, which should be sufficient for adequate survival and healing.

Extended-wavelength diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for a comprehensive view of blood perfusion and tissue response in human forearm skin.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of using extended-wavelength diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (EW-DRS) to measure tissue response related to blood perfusion. The study was performed on a model that we have previously found to be useful for studying techniques for perfusion monitoring following the injection of epinephrine in a local anesthetic in the human forearm. METHODS: Nine healthy subjects were included in the study. Spectroscopy was performed with an EW-DRS system using a combination of two spectrometers to resolve light in the visible (350 nm to 1100 nm) and the near-infrared regions (900 nm to 1700 nm). The change in signal upon the injection of lidocaine (20 mg/ml) + epinephrine (12.5 µg/ml) (LIDO +EPI), compared to a control injection with saline (9 mg/ml), was investigated. RESULTS: Injection of lidocaine + epinephrine (12.5 µg/ml) caused a change in the EW-DRS signal in the wavelength intervals 510 to 610 nm, known to change upon deoxygenation of hemoglobin. When examining the full wavelength range (450 to 1550 nm) a decrease in reflectance upon LIDO +EPI injection was observed, suggesting that the broader spectrum provides more detailed information on the tissue response. The time to stable hypoperfusion was found to be 2.6 min. CONCLUSIONS: EW-DRS appears to be a promising technique for monitoring perfusion, and could provide a useful tool in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The broad spectrum provides detailed information on the molecular changes taking place in the tissue. However, the technique must be thoroughly validated before it can be implemented in clinical practice.