Skin Flap Neovascularization by Means of a Vasodilator

ABSTRACT

The viability of vascularized flaps depends mainly on good microsurgical technique, although several factors can affect the final outcome. There are few studies of neovascularization at the recipient site and its significant role in late vascular occlusion. In this study, the rat abdominal skin flap based on circulation through the epigastric vessels was used, to study a drug with vasodilator effects (isoxsuprine) and its relation to flap neovascularization. By ligating the epigastric artery from one to five days after raising the flap, good results in flap viability were statistically significant when isoxsuprine was used. At two, three, and four day arterial occlusion after flap elevation, faster and more neovascularization occurred with isoxsuprine, when compared to control groups. The study strongly suggests that isoxsuprine hastens neovascularization time in the rat model.