Influence of a delay on latissimus dorsi muscle flap blood flow

The regional and total blood flow of canine latissimus dorsi muscle flaps (LDMFs) were examined to study the effect of a delay procedure, ligation of the perforators, before complete flap elevation. The regional blood flow of the middle and distal regions of the nondelayed LDMFs was poor and significantly lower than the proximal region at rest. The regional blood flow during the exercise test was improved and significantly higher in the middle (62% increase) and distal regions (187% increase) of the delayed LDMFs as compared with the nondelayed LDMFs. The mean total blood flow of the delayed LDMFs was 14 mL.min-1.100(-1) g at rest, increased to 30 mL.min-1.100(-1) g during exercise tests with intermittent burst electrical stimulation, and was maximal at 40 mL.min-1.100(-1) g immediately after the exercise. The phasic arterial blood flow of the delayed LDMFs was inhibited during contraction at 9 mL.min-1.100(-1) g, whereas it was 44 mL.min-1.100(-1) g during relaxation. In contrast, the phasic venous blood flow was accentuated during contraction to 32 mL.min-1.100(-1) g compared with 16 mL.min-1.100(-1) g during relaxation.