A Wireless Infrared Thermometry Device for Postoperative Flap Monitoring: Proof of Concept in Patients.

BACKGROUND/NEED: Postoperative flap perfusion assessment methods still rely on the evaluation of traditional clinical indicators, which have the disadvantage of being subjective and burdensome. METHODOLOGY: This study describes a self-designed infrared wireless thermometer for flap blood supply monitoring and evaluates its efficacy in the postoperative monitoring of 40 free flaps. DEVICE DESCRIPTION: The device consists of multiple temperature and humidity modules as well as a wireless module, which has the advantages of low cost and continuous remote monitoring. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: The alarm time of the wireless infrared thermometer was 30.5 ± 3.1 hours, and the clinical observation reported 41.7 ± 13.6 hours. CURRENT STATUS: In future studies, the device will be tested on different types of flaps in a porcine model.