Arterial line (radial, femoral, dorsalis pedis, or brachial), central line for access when needed, intubation vs tracheostomy, general anesthesia. We currently use stroke-volume variability monitoring (FloTrac) in all patients using the arterial line placed for blood pressure monitoring.

The study will use a treatment algorithm for patients in the treatment group. This algorithm will aim to maintain a near-normal blood pressure and use goal directed therapy to achieve this. Currently the standard of care is to use IV fluid exclusively in these patients and anesthesia providers everywhere have been challenging that treatment plan. Our algorithm has an iterative approach assessing volume status, cardiac output and vascular tone in order, with interventions specified for each. Individual treatments have been proven safe and effective in this population, we believe this sequence may be the best current management system. By avoiding excessive fluid administration we expect to decrease ICU length of stay due to the comorbidities caused (pulmonary edema, bowl edema, glycocalyx damage).

FloTrac device was used to manage blood pressure during surgery.

Treatment Group

FlotTrac device was not used. Blood pressure of the control group was managed with standard methods.

Control Group

Total

Sex: Female, Male

The primary outcome is length of ICU stay.

ICU Stay

The secondary outcome is decreasing patient morbidity by comparing the number of patients on the ventilator

Number of Participants Requiring a Ventilator

Overall Study

Dr Hand

Head and Neck Cancer

Patients Requiring a Free Flap Surgery

FloTrac

Medical University of South Carolina

A Prospective Study Evaluating the Use of Intraoperative Stroke Volume Variation Via the FloTrac Device to Guide Fluid and Vasopressor Management in Head and Neck Free Flaps

Does the Intraoperative Use of the FloTrac Device to Guide Fluid and Vasopressor Management Affect Postoperative Morbidity in Patients Receiving a Head and Neck Microvascular Free Tissue Transfer

hypovolemia/nicotine

A Prospective Study Evaluating the Use of Intraoperative Stroke Volume Variation Via the FloTrac Device to Guide Fluid and Vasopressor Management in Head and Neck Free Flaps

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