A porcine model for multiple musculocutaneous flaps.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Research
• Animal Models
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Developing reliable animal models is crucial for advancing surgical techniques.
• Musculocutaneous flaps are vital in reconstructive surgery, requiring robust preclinical investigation.
• Existing porcine models may lack the reproducibility or capacity for extensive study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish and meticulously describe a reproducible porcine model for musculocutaneous flap research.
• To ensure the model meets criteria for consistent anatomical landmarks, flap survival, ease of formation, paired study capability, and minimal morbidity.
• To introduce novel musculocutaneous flap sites in a porcine model.

Main Methods:

• Pilot dissections of six major porcine muscles (pectoralis, trapezius, latissimus dorsi, gracilis, biceps femoris, tensor fasciae latae) and their vascular pedicles.
• Formation of island musculocutaneous flaps at selected sites to validate model requirements.
• Performance of 72 muscle/vessel pedicle dissections and 61 island musculocutaneous flap formations.
• Assessment of flap survival and animal morbidity.

Main Results:

• The developed porcine model demonstrated consistent anatomical landmarks and reliable flap survival (60 out of 61 flaps).
• The model allows for the creation of up to five pairs of musculocutaneous flaps per animal, facilitating paired studies.
• Three new porcine flaps (pectoralis, biceps femoris, trapezius) were successfully described and utilized.
• Minimal morbidity was observed, primarily mild limb splinting for one day.

Conclusions:

• A reproducible porcine model for musculocutaneous flap studies has been successfully developed and validated.
• This model supports extensive physiological, pathological, or pharmacological research on musculocutaneous flaps.
• The ability to create ten musculocutaneous island flaps on a single pig offers significant advantages for comparative research.