Application of SPY Angiography in the Management of a Chronic Sternal Wound

Summary: The SPY angiography system has several surgical uses. Often, surgeons may experience difficult cases in which the viability and perfusion of tissue is questioned. By using the SPY angiography system intraoperatively, this system may provide additional information allowing the surgeon to make calculated real-time decisions which may lead to improved patient outcomes. This study describes a case of a chronic sternal wound treated with reconstruction using intraoperative SPY angiography. Adequate perfusion of the flap was determined via SPY angiography intraoperatively. The flap was thereafter successfully utilized to cover the chronic wound. The patient was followed postoperatively with progression of wound closure. Sternal wounds often pose a complex problem for patients and physicians. The use of intraoperative SPY angiography provided critical information to the operating team allowing for the successful identification of a viable flap. The use of SPY angiography provided the patient an opportunity to achieve a successful outcome and reduced the risk of skin necrosis or reoperation.