An experimental study on the effect of fluorocarbon on the preservation of free skin flaps in the rabbit.

Abstract

Extensive experience with replantation and transplantation surgery has accrued since the development of microvascular surgery. However, circulation often fails to return to a tissue after a temporary period of vascular obstruction, even if the vascular anastomoses are perfect. This circulation failure is known as the "no-reflow phenomenon." The authors investigated the effectiveness of fluorocarbon (FC) in preventing this condition using the free epigastric flap of the rabbit. When the flaps were immersed in oxygenated FC during the ischemic period, the survival rate of the flap was 100% and 80% in 12 and 24 hours of ischemia, respectively. These survival rates were higher than those in control animals (20%). Although further studies are necessary for clinical application, it is suggested that the FC immersion technique has a definite potential for prevention of the no-reflow phenomenon in tissue transplantation and replantation surgery.

• Authors: M Usui, S Ishii, I Muramatsu
• Journal: Clinical orthopaedics and related research (Clin Orthop Relat Res) Issue 175 Pg. 273-9 (May 1983) ISSN: 0009-921X [Print] United States
• PMID: 6839599 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Fluorocarbons

Topics

• Animals
• Fluorocarbons (pharmacology)
• Graft Survival
• Ischemia
• Rabbits
• Skin (blood supply)
• Surgical Flaps
• Time Factors