Artificial intelligence applications in free flap microvascular reconstruction: preoperative planning, intraoperative assessment, and postoperative monitoring

Reliable planning, execution, and postoperative monitoring in microvascular free flap reconstruction are essential to optimize clinical outcomes. Artificial intelligence has demonstrated value in several applications to clinical medicine and surgery, including image analysis and simulation, outcomes modeling, and evaluation of large datasets. Within microvascular reconstruction, artificial intelligence has been increasingly applied to preoperative planning, intraoperative decision making, and postoperative monitoring. The present paper aims to review salient applications to each. The authors conclude by suggesting areas suitable for future analysis.