Fluorocarbon enhancement of skin flap survival in rats

Fluorocarbons exhibit two unique properties: oxygen saturation in direct proportion to the percent administered and low viscosity which improves microcirculation. These properties were investigated in improving survival in random skin flaps in rats. Modified McFarlane flaps were raised in 30 Sprague-Dawley rats and divided into three equal groups. Group 1 rats served as controls, group 2 rats were hemodiluted with Ringer's lactate, and group 3 rats were hemodiluted with Fluosol-DA (20%). All groups were kept in a high (80%) oxygen environment for 48 hours. Areas of necrosis were measured using a computer system. Necrosis in control flaps averaged 14.96 percent; in flaps hemodiluted with Ringer's lactate, 10.12 percent; in flaps hemodiluted with Fluosol, 4.76 percent. These differences were statistically significant. We conclude that fluorocarbons significantly enhance flap survival in rats.