Effect of Fluosol-DA (20%) on skin flap survival in rats

This study evaluates the effect of increased oxygen-carrying capacity of blood with the oxygen-carrying blood substitute Fluosol-DA (20%) on skin flap survival in rats. A skin flap model as described by Finseth was used in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that Fluosol-DA (20%) alone or in conjunction with O2 does not augment survival of skin flaps in rats, while hemodilution enhances and hemoconcentration deteriorates skin flap survival. Systemic O2 does not enhance survival of skin flaps in rats.