[Surgically-induced angiogenesis as basic principle in treatment ov hypovascularized wounds--the nutritive flap]

Chronic wounds of the lower extremity as a result of diabetes, arteriosclerosis and microangiopathy are of significant clinical relevance, as they result in immobilization, extended hospitalization and cost-intensive treatment. Via transfer of well-vascularized tissue onto chronic wounds as a free transplanted muscle flap, if necessary connected to a venous bypass, angiogenesis is induced and wound healing improved. This concept leads to nonamputational therapy.