THE EFFECTS OF 2 DIFFERENT DELAY PHENOMENA IN FLOW-THROUGH VENOUS FLAPS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two differ ent types of pedicle manipulation two weeks prior to harvesting of flo w-through venous flaps (FTVF). The dorsal aspect of the ear of New Zea land white rabbits was used in the investigation. Two different delay procedures (manipulation of pedicle) were performed and compared to th e single stage harvesting of FTVF. In the first delay (arterial ligati on group), the central artery was ligated at the proximal and distal e dge of the flap, and the flap was harvested after two weeks. In the se cond delay (arteriovenous shunt group), the central artery was anastom osed to the lateral caudal vein at the proximal part of the ear to cre ate an arteriovenous shunt and to increase blood flow in the venous sy stem. The FTVF was again harvested two weeks after the creation of the arteriovenous shunt. The survival rates and the superficial flap necr osis rates of the two different delay groups were compared to the nond elayed group. The mean survival of the arterial ligation group (82%) a nd the arteriovenous shunt group (80%) show significantly increased su rvival when compared to the nondelayed group (44%), The superficial fl ap necrosis rates in the two delay groups were also decreased when com pared to the non delayed group.