Vascularization analysis of pedicled skin flaps in dogs through thermographic camera

• Grant number: 13/21044-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): April 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Julia Maria Matera
• Grantee: Samanta Rios Melo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In Veterinary Medicine thermography is widely researched and documented in orthopedic studies . No data found in literature for the use of thermography as a complementary method in the diagnosis and / or prognosis in canine mast cell tumor , or even of skin flaps evolution in dogs .The use of thermography in the medical field of oncology is based in the fact that tumors generally have an increased blood supply and angiogenesis as well as an increased metabolic rate , which translates into larger temperature gradients when compared to surrounding normal tissue . Detection of these " hotspots " and their gradients can help identify and diagnose malignancy . Furthermore, it is believed that the process of carcinogenesis associated with neoangiogenesis results in an increase of the temperature around the area of the tumor.The use of skin flaps techniques, adequate preoperative planning, meticulous surgical technique, and a thorough knowledge of the vascular anatomy is crucial for postoperative outcome successful in oncology surgery. Partial and total loss of the flap due to inadequate perfusion are complications that may occur when using this technique, especially for the inexperienced surgeon . The knowledge of the vascular anatomy needs before designing the flap can help improve the safety and efficacy of the surgical procedure . Studies in humans have shown that there is a good correlation between vascular perfusion and skin temperature . The measurement of skin temperature can therefore provide indirect information on tissue perfusion . In surgical procedures involving local flaps and free skin grafts, perfusion and reperfusion of the flap are crucial for successful therapy. It is therefore surprising that the use of IR thermography as surgery is rarely reported in the literature.The assessment of the evolution of flaps and measurement of adherence and tissue vascularization at the surgical site is extremely important for the early diagnosis of failures in the implementation of the flap. Studies had shown several assessment techniques for flaps and skin grafts in humans , clinical assessments and visual , and recently imaging methods such as thermography .Most surgeons has clinical observation of skin perfusion using subjective signs such as skin color , capillary refill , skin temperature and tissue turgor . The measurement of the temperature of skin flaps during the postoperative period is one of the oldest methods of monitoring free flaps and flaps and is often included in the protocols of postoperative follow-up flaps .This project , which is a continuation of the work done by the student with thermography during her Masters , is in assessing the evolution of cutaneous pedicle flaps after excision of canine mast cell tumors . Its main objective is to evaluate the trans and postoperative skin flaps in dogs undergoing excision mast cell tumor by obtaining and analyzing infrared images .Thus , the proposed study includes : Determining the clinical characteristics of the patient and each tumor ; determine the clinical stage of each patient ; determine the histological grade ( Patnaik method and method Kiupell ) tumors presented ; Capturing and analyzing infrared images the mast cell tumors by thermographic camera , Capturing and analyzing infrared images of the postoperative evolution of flaps and flaps made for closing defects after wide excision of mast cell tumors in dogs ; evaluate the use of thermography in the diagnosis and prognosis of canine mast cell tumors .

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

MELO, SAMANTA RIOS; JANUARIO, ERIC VIEIRA; ZANUTO, ERIKA; MIRANDA, BRUNA DE CASTRO; MACEDO, THAIS RODRIGUES; COGLIATI, BRUNO; MATERA, JULIA MARIA. Immunohistochemical Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Prognostic Marker for Canine Mast Cell Tumors. TOPICS IN COMPANION ANIMAL MEDICINE, v. 42, MAR 2021. (13/21044-6)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

MELO, Samanta Rios. Critical study of canine mast cell tumors and thermographic evaluation of reconstructive surgery. 2017. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD) São Paulo.