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Biomedical Engineering

Spectrophotometric Techniques for the Assessment of Tissue Perfusion in Plastic Surgery

Project Details

Principal Investigator:  Prof P A Kyriacou

Collaborators:  Professor R M Langford, Ms H Patel (Barts Health NHS Trust), Mr P Harris (The Royal Marsden Hospital), Prof S K Pal (St Andrew's Centre for Plastic Surgery & Burns, Broomfield Hospital)

Researchers:  Mr T Abay Ysehak, Dr Tina Zaman, Dr M Hickey

Funding:  EPSRC DTA, Barts and The London Charity

Project Description

Early identification of flap failure in plastic surgery is an indispensable prerequisite for flap salvage. Although many methods of free flap monitoring are available, there is still no single reliable non-invasive technique for early recognition of flap failure and for differentiation between arterial occlusion and venous congestion. Experimental measurements taken by non-invasive devices can give insight into the flap perfusion mechanism. Therefore, to address the above issues, we propose the development of new non-invasive opto-electronic sensors and in vivo measurements in patients undergoing free flap plastic microsurgery. The project will contribute towards the better monitoring and management of free flaps and is therefore of direct relevance to the patients.