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Neurocutaneous island flap:: an experimental model using the rabbit ear
Marzia Salgarello1, Gennaro Selvaggi, Pascal Lahoud
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy. m.salgarello@mclink.it
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|July 23, 2004
Summary
This study demonstrates the reliability of a novel neurocutaneous flap in rabbit ears, preserving nerve vascular networks for flap survival. This technique offers a new experimental model, unlike traditional grafts.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Surgical Innovation
- Animal Models
Background:
- The rabbit ear is a common experimental model, but a neurocutaneous flap has not been previously described.
- Understanding flap reliability is crucial for developing new experimental models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the reliability of a skin cartilage flap with a sensory nerve pedicle in a rabbit model.
- To establish a novel neurocutaneous flap for experimental use.
Main Methods:
- Harvesting 2x2-cm skin cartilage flaps on the dorsal rabbit ear, preserving the central neurovascular axis.
- Elevating flaps with intact cartilage and nerve vascular networks, then returning them to the original site.
- Histological examination of the neurovascular axis at various postoperative intervals.
Main Results:
- All 28 neurocutaneous flaps survived, demonstrating high reliability.
- Control skin cartilage grafts with severed pedicles failed to survive.
- Histology revealed significant vascularization within the flap's neurovascular axis postoperatively.
Conclusions:
- The described neurocutaneous flap is a reliable and viable experimental model in rabbits.
- The preserved neurovascular axis supports flap survival and exhibits enhanced vascularization.
- This technique should be considered for future experimental models utilizing rabbit ear flaps.