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Acute blood flow changes in rapidly expanded and adjacent skin
E J Ricciardelli1, G S Goding, D A Bright
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Skin expansion and tissue expanders can improve flap survival. Studies show blood flow changes during expansion and deflation, with capillary blood flow increasing over time, suggesting potential benefits for reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
- Dermatology
Background:
- Random flaps raised on expanded skin show improved survival compared to acute flaps.
- Nutritive blood flow studies indicate augmented blood flow in expanded flaps, similar to delayed flaps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate acute blood flow changes in rapidly expanded porcine skin using dermofluorometric analysis.
- To compare blood flow dynamics in expanded skin with and without tissue expanders.
Main Methods:
- Six pigs underwent creation of four subcutaneous pockets each.
- Groups included: sequential expansion/deflation, non-inflated expander, and no expander.
- Dermofluorometric analysis measured blood flow at various points relative to the expander over time.
Main Results:
- Blood flow decreased initially post-expansion but returned to baseline within 24 hours.
- Deflation on day 6 transiently increased blood flow, returning to baseline within 24 hours.
- Capillary blood flow increased across all groups; no significant differences in blood flow were observed on day 8.
Conclusions:
- Rapid skin expansion and deflation cause transient blood flow alterations.
- Overall blood flow and capillary perfusion demonstrate adaptive changes during tissue expansion.
- Findings support the potential of skin expansion techniques in reconstructive surgery.