The ability of oxygenated fluorocarbon solution to minimize ischemic skeletal muscle injury

The amputated canine limb was used to create a devascularized skeletal-muscle-containing model. The extremity was perfused with one of several solutions or merely cooled as a preservative measure during the devascularized period and then replanted. Perfusion of the limb with oxygenated fluorocarbon solution minimized edema formation and leakage of skeletal muscle enzymes into the serum following revascularization as compared to the other perfusates or to mere cooling. Histopathologic changes within the revascularized muscle were also minimized by the oxygenated fluorocarbon perfusion. It is probable that these findings will correlate with improved function of replanted extremities or free muscle flaps. The applicability of these findings to human extremity replantation and free-flap transfer is postulated. However, long-term human studies will be necessary to assess the function of extremities and flaps perfused with this solution prior to its general use in extremity replantation and free-flap transfer.