[Thermography of the skin covering a cochlear implant--temperature as an indicator for blood circulation].
BACKGROUND: Sufficient blood supply of the flap is a significant factor for proper wound healing and lifelong integration of a cochlear implant. Superficial temperature as an indicator of cutaneous blood circulation can be visualized easily by thermography. QUESTION: We examined the correlation between temperature distribution and the anatomic course of defined arteries, the significance of different types of incisions in this regard, and local irritations of skin temperature/blood circulation by the implant itself. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The partially shaved heads of 15 patients were examined by thermography after cochlear implantation, using the Agema thermovision system. RESULT: Temperature distribution of the skin can be closely related to the arterial blood supply. In our group of patients, no significant alterations could be found in the skin covering the implant. Hair growth in the area tested does not allow valid thermographies. DISCUSSION: By the pattern of temperature-distribution/blood circulation some conclusions about typical incisions can be drawn. While most types of incisions respect the patterns of blood circulation, the retroauricular C-incision may cause problems. Postoperative scars can be regarded as places of minor resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Thermography of the skin is an easy method for estimating the blood circulation of the skin above the implant. It is, however, limited to hair-free or shaved skin areas.