Flap monitoring using thermal imaging camera: A contactless method

Abstract

Objective: To determine the accuracy of the thermal imaging camera for the detection of vascular insult before the onset of permanent tissue damage. Study Design: Descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, from July to December 2019. Methodology: The thermal image was used as an adjunct to clinical assessment in 84 flaps. Both pedicled and free flaps were performed in the study with a frequency of 68 (81%) and 16 (19%), respectively. Flap monitoring was performed regularly for five days by same team of surgeons and nurses. Flap vascularity was assessed by temperature gradient colour coding of thermal image taking the clinical assessment like colour, temperature, capillary refill, as a gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity of the thermal camera were calculated. Results: The age range of patients was from 5 years to 55 years. The diagnostic accuracy of thermal imaging camera was calculated to be 96.43% with a sensitivity of 98.7%, specificity of 75%. The positive predictive value was found to be 97.4%, negative predictive value was 85.7%, the false-negative value was 14.3%, and the false-positive value was 2.6%. Conclusion: Thermal imaging camera is an effective and useful adjunct for clinical assessment, as it is an easy and contactless technique.