J Reconstr Microsurg 1996; 12(3): 179-182
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006473
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1996 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Venous Flaps and Perivenous Areolar Tissue: An Experimental Study in Rats

Ciro Adamo, Corrado Rubino
  • Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Rome “La Sapienza,” Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1995

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Since plastic surgeons are continually looking for new possibilities for the clinical transfer of tissue, they are very interested in investigating capillary blood flow. Recently, several authors have investigated the role of veins in experimental island venous flaps. In the present study, the authors attempt to clarify the importance of plasmatic imbibition and perivenous tissue as single nourishment sources in experimental island skin flaps deprived of arteries, and consisting of both axial and random zones. This study demonstrates the importance of perivenous areolar tissue in flap survival; the “initial plasmatic imbibition” was not able to keep the flaps viable. Due to the previously demonstrated presence of small arteries in the pedicle of “venous flaps,” these flaps should no longer be considered as purely venous. In the reported rat model, it was not possible to harvest a flap without arterial inflow.