Post operative monitoring of microvascular breast reconstructions using the implantable Cook–Swartz doppler system: A study of 145 probes & technical discussion

Eight‐year experience of the Cook‐Swartz Doppler in free‐flap operations: Microsurgical and reexploration results with regard to a wide spectrum of surgeries

“…After analyzing the subdivisions results (Table 1), the implantable Doppler showed increased overall success rates and higher salvage rates (statistically significant) in head and neck/ENT (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P < 0.005) as also mentioned by Jones, 5 Paydar et al 38 and Guillemaud et al 39 In breast reconstructive surgeries, the same effectiveness was noted for this device (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, and P 5 0.266), as corroborated by Smit et al 1 First 2 parameters measured had statistical significant, and a strong trend toward improved salvage rate in a small study of breast's reexploration. In orthopedic oncology, we observed an obvious strong trend of monitoring free flaps with the implantable Doppler over classical methods, even though there was a small reexploration group (P 5 0.061, P 5 0.864, and P 5 0.143).…”

Postoperative monitoring of lower limb free flaps with the Cook–Swartz implantable Doppler probe: A clinical trial

“…While other studies have demonstrated the value of the Cook-Swartz Doppler probe in the salvage of failing flaps, the current study has demonstrated this effect in the unique setting of lower limb free flaps. [7][8][9][10][11] As discussed, lower limb flaps comprise a distinctive group in that these are often emergency cases, in the presence of trauma, vascular injury or infection, and may be associated with peripheral vascular disease. In addition, the physiology of these flaps include inherently high venous pressures in the lower limb due to gravitational effects, potentially incompetent veins and relative dependant edema.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11] An internal Doppler cuff is attached to an external monitor, which allows continuous monitoring of pedicle flow. In the settings of buried flaps and in breast reconstruction, these probes have shown distinctive benefits, but the unique scenario of lower limb flaps warrants particular attention.…”

The efficacy of postoperative monitoring: A single surgeon comparison of clinical monitoring and the implantable Doppler probe in 547 consecutive free flaps

“…As such, further publication is necessary for providing adequate evidence in support of the use of implanted Doppler devices. We have previously published a series of free flaps monitored with this method, 15 but this series was not compared with clinical monitoring. By adding this comparative analysis to the published literature, we hope to improve the evidence supporting the use of the implanted Doppler probe.…”