ABSTRACT
Postoperative monitoring of free tissue transfers remains a problem for the microsurgeon.
Liquid crystal temperature probes (LCT) are used by anesthesiologists to monitor patient
core temperature and to indicate changes in temperature trends as an indicator of
pending malignant hyperthermia. By placing an LCT monitor on the flap and adjacent
tissue at the completion of surgery, temperature differentials can be reliably monitored.
If the temperature differential exceeds 2°C, the flap is re-explored. The LCT readout
resembles a standard thermometer and can easily be recorded by even inexperienced
personnel. LCTs are a convenient, inexpensive, and easy method to monitor both free
muscle and free fasciocutaneous flaps.
