J Reconstr Microsurg 1989; 5(1): 19-30
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1006847
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1989 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

The Importance of Venous Drainage in Rat Flaps: An Experimental Study

Akihiro Fukui, Susumu Tamai, H. Bruce Williams
  • Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ômiwa Hospital, Nara, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted for publication 1988

Publication Date:
08 March 2008 (online)

ABSTRACT

Venous drainage of musculocutaneous grafts prepared on the backs of rats survived successfully by preserving the draining vein. Even in musculocutaneous flaps, venous drainage at the distal part of the flap plays an important role in a successful take. An experiment was prepared in a rat model in which the iliolumbar veins were utilized as the draining veins, and musculocutaneous flaps, 4 × 10 cm in size, were created. In this experiment, it was shown that even in random pattern musculocutaneous flaps, necrosis can be prevented by preserving the draining vein.