Prefabricated venous flaps: an experimental study in rabbits

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Innovation
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Prefabrication involves implanting a vascular pedicle to nourish a flap before harvesting.
• Total venous perfusion (TVP) flaps aim to enhance vascularization for flap survival.
• Investigating the viability of prefabricated TVP flaps is crucial for advancing reconstructive surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the survival rates of prefabricated total venous perfusion (TVP) flaps in a rabbit model.
• To determine the optimal time interval between prefabrication and flap elevation for maximal viability.
• To establish the reproducibility of prefabricated TVP flaps for potential clinical application.

Main Methods:

• A rabbit model was used to assess prefabricated abdominal wall flaps.
• Left epigastric veins were utilized for prefabrication in 25 male New Zealand white rabbits.
• Skin flaps (8 x 10 cm) were elevated at varying intervals (1-6 weeks) post-prefabrication, with silicone sheet implantation.

Main Results:

• Mean skin flap survival rates were 24% (1 week), 52% (2 weeks), 87% (3 weeks), 83% (4 weeks), and 84% (6 weeks).
• A significant increase in flap survival was observed after 3 weeks.
• Reproducible survival rates exceeding 80% were achieved for flaps elevated 3 weeks or later.

Conclusions:

• Prefabricated total venous perfusion (TVP) flaps can achieve reproducible survival.
• Elevating the flap more than 3 weeks after prefabrication is critical for successful outcomes.
• This method shows promise for enhancing flap viability in reconstructive procedures.