Liquid crystal temperature monitoring for microsurgery.

Postoperative monitoring of free tissue transfers remains a problem for the microsurgeon. Liquid crystal temperature probes (LCT) are used by anesthesiologists to monitor patient core temperature and to indicate changes in temperature trends as an indicator of pending malignant hyperthermia. By placing an LCT monitor on the flap and adjacent tissue at the completion of surgery, temperature differentials can be reliably monitored. If the temperature differential exceeds 2 degrees C, the flap is re-explored. The LCT readout resembles a standard thermometer and can easily be recorded by even inexperienced personnel. LCTs are a convenient, inexpensive, and easy method to monitor both free muscle and free fasciocutaneous flaps.