[Noninvasive intraoperative measurement of intracapillary hemoglobin oxygenation and relative hemoglobin concentration in surgical skin flaps].

We describe the Erlangen microconducting spectrometer (EMPHO I), a device that measures the oxygen saturation and relative haemogloblin content in the capillaries. These factors determine the oxygen supply and survival of cutaneous flaps. The EMPHO I was used for intraoperative measurements in pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps and showed reproducible results, so that it is valid for intraoperative monitoring in plastic surgery.