Monitors for the cutaneous microcirculation

Scientific evidence is not yet sufficient to justify a large expenditure on equipment simply for clinical monitoring. Despite reservations about reliability, thermometry certainly appears the most cost-effective technique. It is of particular value in monitoring digits. Since these are end organs, spurious information arising because of heat conducted from deep tissues is eliminated, and multiple digits are easily monitored simultaneously. Implantable systems providing direct information relating to the condition of a microanastomosis may eventually prove more versatile and effective clinically than externally applied techniques, although the physiological information which they provide is limited.