Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
05:34
A Reliable Porcine Fascio-Cutaneous Flap Model for Vascularized Composite Allografts Bioengineering Studies
Published on: March 31, 2022
Preservation of canine composite facial flaps using UW solution
Qinxiu Liu1, Qingfeng Li, Shengwu Zheng
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery
|July 21, 2010
Summary
University of Wisconsin (UW) solution effectively preserves composite facial flaps in dogs up to 24 hours. This study suggests 24 hours as a viable preservation time limit for clinical use of UW solution in flap transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Transplantation Biology
- Surgical Innovation
Background:
- Composite facial flaps are crucial in reconstructive surgery.
- Effective preservation solutions are needed to extend flap viability.
- University of Wisconsin (UW) solution is a widely used organ preservation solution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of UW solution in preserving composite facial flaps in a canine model.
- To determine an optimal preservation time limit for clinical application of UW solution in flap transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Canine facial flaps were cold-stored in UW solution or normal saline for 12, 24, 36, or 48 hours.
- Tissue viability was assessed post-preservation.
- Flaps preserved for up to 48 hours were autotransplanted to evaluate survival and functional recovery.
Main Results:
- UW solution significantly improved tissue viability compared to normal saline across all time points.
- Flap viability was superior after 12 and 24 hours of preservation versus 36 and 48 hours.
- Autotransplanted flaps showed high survival rates (up to 100% at 24 hours) and functional recovery.
Conclusions:
- UW solution provides excellent preservation for composite facial flaps in dogs.
- A 24-hour preservation period using UW solution is a reliable reference for clinical flap transplantation.
