Is the LICOX® PtO system reliable for monitoring of free flaps? Comparison between two cohorts of patients.

Background: Licox® PtO is a minimally invasive monitoring system for continuous measurement of tissue oxygen tension in all types of free tissue transfers. Our study compares two consecutive series of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction monitored with standard clinical bedside surveillance and with the Licox® PtO system regarding flap loss and flap salvage, the sensitivity, specificity, and cost-effectiveness.

Methods: We performed a longitudinal observational prospective study of all patients undergoing microsurgical reconstructions between 2016 and 2017.