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Venous changes in expanded skin: a microangiographic and histological study in rabbits
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Nagasaki University, School of Medicine, Japan.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Tissue expansion in rabbits significantly increases vascularity and vessel formation in the skin's venous network. This study reveals enlarged veins, dilated collateral vessels, and incompetent venous valves after expansion.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Vascular Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- The venous aspect of vascular alterations in expanded skin remains understudied in plastic surgery.
- Understanding venous changes is crucial for optimizing tissue expansion techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and document the modifications in the cutaneous venous tree following tissue expansion.
- To analyze the impact of expansion on venous vascularity, vessel caliber, and valve function.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study utilizing a rabbit saphenous flap model.
- Three groups were established: expansion, sham (non-inflated expander), and control (no surgery).
- Microangiographic and histological examinations were performed after a 3-week expansion period.
Main Results:
- Expanded skin exhibited increased vascularity and neovessel formation in the venous tree.
- The entire venous network was enlarged, with dilated collateral and communicating veins.
- Periarterial microveins and perivenous arterioles showed dilation and increased numbers; venous valves became incompetent.
Conclusions:
- Tissue expansion induces significant changes in the cutaneous venous system, including enhanced vascularity and venous valve incompetence.
- These findings provide insights into the vascular adaptations of expanded skin, potentially guiding future reconstructive procedures.