Abstract
In breast reconstruction, mastectomy and free flaps are susceptible to vascular compromise and tissue necrosis. The SnapshotNIR device (Kent Imaging, Calgary, AB, Canada) utilizes near-infrared spectroscopy to measure tissue oxygen saturation (StO(2)) and hemoglobin concentration. Here, we report on the use of this device for StO(2) monitoring among patients receiving alloplastic or autologous breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients receiving immediate alloplastic reconstruction after mastectomy or autologous reconstruction were enrolled. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative images were taken of the flaps. StO(2) and hemoglobin were measured at the following locations: superior and inferior breast, free flap skin paddle (when applicable), and un-operated control skin. Linear mixed effects model for repeated measurements was used to model measurements to estimate the area effect difference across time, time effect difference across area, and pairwise comparisons between two areas at each time point. RESULTS: Thirty-two breasts underwent alloplastic reconstruction; 38 breasts underwent autologous reconstruction. No enrollees developed skin necrosis. StO(2) was highest after mastectomy and closure in alloplastic reconstructions. StO(2) was observed to decline at follow-up in autologous reconstructions. Mean preoperative StO(2) was highest in breasts that had previously undergone mastectomy and alloplastic reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The SnapshotNIR device detected normal spatial and temporal differences in tissue oxygenation over the operative course of alloplastic and autologous breast reconstruction. A multi-institutional, prospective clinical trial is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of this device for detecting skin flap necrosis.