THE VALUE OF THE DELAY PHENOMENON IN FLAP PREFABRICATION - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY IN RABBITS

Neovascularisation of thin skin flaps after arteriovenous pedicle impl antation (flap prefabrication) and the impact of the delay mechanism o n the viability of these flaps were investigated. Twenty-four full thi ckness skin flaps were raised in twelve New Zealand white rabbits. Del ay incisions were made at the lateral borders of the planned flaps at the same time as pedicle implantation, 1 week before pedicle implantat ion, or 1 week after pedicle implantation and the flaps based on the i mplanted vessels raised at 2 weeks after implantation. Flap survival a ssessed at 1 week was found to be improved when flap delay was perform ed 1 week before or after pedicle implantation. Angiographic studies d emonstrated an increased density and linearity of the vascular pattern in these delay group flaps. The combination of the time-tested concep t of delaying a flap with the newer technique of flap prefabrication a ppears to improve flap viability.