Inadequate tissue perfusion is a serious complication following reconstructive surgeries. Skin flap necrosis, especially in the head and neck area, may have significant cosmetic consequences. Although clinical exam is the mainstay in evaluating perfusion, it may not always predict ischemic problems. The SPY Elite laser angiographic system, which has been widely used to analyze tissue perfusion in postmastectomy skin flaps, has been shown to be able to evaluate tissue perfusion objectively. We describe a revision rhinoplasty case where hypoperfusion of the nasal tip was seen following placement of structural grafts to the nasal tip, and before the grafts being removed SPY, angiography was used to evaluate if topical nitroglycerin alone could correct hypoperfusion of the nasal tip rather than removal of structural grafts. A SPY angiography was performed to evaluate the hypoperfusion to the nasal tip. Repeat imaging was then performed following treatment with topical nitroglycerin alone. Perfusion of the nasal tip was restored and confirmed by SPY angiography system. The objective findings from the SPY angiography allowed the grafts to remain in place and lead to optimal cosmetic result. Due to the critical information SPY angiography provided in this case, we recommend the use of technology when evaluating reconstructive cases in which the viability of the tissue may be difficult to deduce from clinical exam.
Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.