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J Reconstr Microsurg 2017; 33(04): 292-297
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1598011
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Vasculature Characterization of a Multiterritory Perforator Flap: An Experimental Study

Long Wang
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Zong-Wei Zhou
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Liang-Hui Yang
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Xian-Yao Tao
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Xiao-Liang Feng
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Jian Ding
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
,
Wei-Yang Gao
1   Department of Hand and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital and The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

29 August 2016

05 December 2016

Publication Date:
18 January 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Background Tip necrosis in the perforator flap is a significant problem in clinical practice. This study aimed to characterize the vasculature of a multiterritory perforator flap using a rat model and to investigate the impact of the vasculature on flap survival.

Methods In total, 105 Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups, including the control, 3 hours postoperative (PO), 12 hours PO, 1 day PO, 3 days PO, 5 days PO, and 7 days PO. A perforator flap with three territories based on the deep iliac circumflex artery was performed. Flaps with only skin incisions and vessel exposure were performed in the control group. The first choke zone (FCZ) was located between the anatomical and dynamic territories, and the second choke zone (SCZ) was located between the dynamic and potential territories. Sodium fluorescein and lead oxide-gelatin angiography and histological examination were performed in each group.

Results Sodium fluorescein angiography revealed delayed staining in the perforator flap PO, particularly in the FCZ and SCZ. The delay phenomenon disappeared after 12 hours PO in the FCZ and after 1 day PO in the SCZ. Nonfluorescein-stained areas were found distal to the potential territory. In the FCZ PO, the choke vessels were dilated, while the number of microvessels was increased in the SCZ without choke vessel dilation.

Conclusions The remodeling of choke vessels and increase in microvessel number represent arteriogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively. This neovascularization was responsible for flap survival in the entire dynamic territory and part of the potential territory.

Keywords

perforator flap - arteriogenesis - angiogenesis
 

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