Development of a reflectance photoplethysmographic sensor used for the assessment of perfusion of free jejunum flaps: A case report

Free jejunum flaps have been widely used as a reconstruction option after total laryngopharyngectomy. Monitoring of flap perfusion assists in early detection of flap failure, increasing the possibility of flap salvage. Considering the free jejunum flap is a hidden flap there is still no single reliable, non invasive perfusion monitoring technique to assist in recognizing flap failure. We have developed a dual-wavelength photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor and processing system to investigate the ability of the system in detecting flap perfusion. This is a case report of evaluation of the new prototype reflectance PPG sensor on one patient undergoing total laryngopharyngectomy and reconstruction with a free jejunum flap. PPG signals were successfully obtained intra-operatively which suggest that photoplethysmography may be a suitable method for assessing free jejunum flap perfusion.