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Survival characteristics of the epigastric free flap in DA‐rats
Author(s) -
Werker Paul M. N.,
Kon Moshe,
Green Colin,
Franken Ralph J. P. M.,
Overgoor Max L. E.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
microsurgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.031
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1098-2752
pISSN - 0738-1085
DOI - 10.1002/micr.1920130204
Subject(s) - medicine , ischemia , surgery , survival rate
Epigastic flaps measuring approximately 6 × 4 cm with borders related to well‐defined anatomical structures were isografted (Dark Agouty to Dark Agouty inbred rats) with or without anastomosing their epigastric pedicle, after various periods of ischaemia, ranging from 0 to 120 h. During the ischaemic insult the flaps were stored at 0°C in a hypertonic citrate solution. The non‐revascularized flaps exhibited survival percentages varying from 2 to 34% (mean, 16%) of the original flap. independent of the storage interval. The flaps that were revascularized after ischaemia had a 100% survival when transplanted immediately after isolation and following 48 h of cold storage. Mean survival percentages of 78% after 72 h of ischaemia, 32% after 96 h, and 4% after 120 h of ischaemia were found. It is concluded that the model described in this study is suitable for free flap research, because of its delineated borders. However, when the area of flap survival is lower than 30% in revascularized flaps there is a distinct likelihood that the flaps have survived regardless of the pedicle as simple Wolfe or composite grafts. Results must therefore be interpreted with great care. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.