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Complications related to the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe use in head and neck microvascular reconstruction: a systematic review

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Abstract

Purpose

Vascular perfusion research has been dedicated to identify inexpensive, effective, and easy to use methods to assess free flap perfusion for both buried and non-buried flaps.

Methods

Systematic review of complications in patients underwent Head and Neck microsurgical reconstruction and vascular implantable Doppler monitoring.

Results

Sixteen articles were included for qualitative analysis. 2535 (92.2%) patients received IDP monitorization. Venous thrombosis was the most common vascular complication effecting 28 (1.1%). Regarding complications potentially related to the use of the IDP, just one study described the presence of granuloma formation along the suture line in 2 (0.07%) patients.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that Cook–Swartz IDP will represents a safe and effective device for FF monitoring in HN reconstructive micro-surgery. A detailed prospective registration of the results and complications related to the use of IDP remains mandatory to precisely estimate results, cost, and complications.

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Correspondence to Carlos M. Chiesa-Estomba.

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Chiesa-Estomba, C.M., González-García, J.A., Genden, E.M. et al. Complications related to the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe use in head and neck microvascular reconstruction: a systematic review. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 280, 23–37 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07577-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-022-07577-3

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