[Tissue shock in free flaps in the experiment on the rat. Significance, classification and effect]

In free transfers of groin flaps in neurotized rats, spasms of the pedicle and of the vessels of the flap itself were observed. These spasms were in many cases the cause of complications. Four kinds of spasms were distinguished: 1. Segmental spasm--practically always on the inferior epigastric artery, characterized by short sections of spasm of the artery, alternating with sections of normal dilatation. 2. Spasm of the whole artery. 3. Spasm in the flap itself--characterized by normal dilatation of the artery stem of the flap and by slowing or stopping of blood circulation through the flap. 4. Tissue shock of the flap characterized by spasm of the pedicle in the flap also. The present work further shows a method of assessing the amount of blood circulation through the flap and the results of local medication influencing spasm, including 1% Mesocain, 0.5% Marcain and Solutio Vischnjevskij.