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Experimental transferable vascular bed for laryngotracheal reconstruction: further observations
P R Delaere1, F Ostyn, J Mebis
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital St Rafaël, Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Free fascia flaps have proven most reliable in providing a vascular bed for an epithelial free graft without adding bulk. They may be a useful tool for laryngotracheal reconstruction. A free flap consisting of a vascular network running in connective tissue can be developed on the rabbit external ear. The vascular characteristics of this flap were examined to test the reliability of the transferable vascular bed in laryngotracheal repair. The perichondrial free flap is useful for bringing an internal lining inside the lumen and for circumferential protection of supporting tissue. However, the natural tendency for surface contraction of perichondrium is a major disadvantage.