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J Reconstr Microsurg 1988; 4(4): 331-334
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006940
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1988 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Pulse Oximeter in Free Muscle Flap Surgery “A Microvascular Surgeon's Sleep Aid”

Frederick J. Menick
  • Division of Plastic Surgery, Tucson Veterans' Administration Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona
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Publication History

Accepted for publication 1988

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

An open lower tibial fracture and an associated soft tissue defect were covered with a free latissimus muscle flap and skin graft. A 1.5 × 3.5 cm skin island “buoy” supplied by a single myocutaneous perforator was left attached to the revascularized muscle flap for seven days and monitored with a pulse oximeter. Pulsatile arterial flow and O2 saturation in the revascularized free flap were accurately and reliably followed postoperatively.