Gene transfer as a tool to induce therapeutic vascular growth in plastic surgery

Sufficient tissue blood perfusion is critical for wound healing and for reconstructions in plastic surgery. There is considerable interest in the use of therapeutic angiogenesis to improve survival of ischemic flaps and to improve wound healing. Several growth factors have been tested in experimental flap models. Clinically, angiogenic therapy has been extensively studied in cardiovascular ischemic diseases and several clinical studies are ongoing in human patients. Results from these cardiovascular trials will benefit the planning of clinical trials in the field of plastic surgery. Furthermore, the development of strategies for local and controlled induction of lymphangiogenesis will hopefully improve the treatment of edema.