AN AXIAL-PATTERN SKIN FLAP IN THE RAT

An axial-pattern rat skin flap based on the caudal femoral artery is d escribed with orthotopic and heterotopic island flap transfers. Free-t issue transfers could also be carried out based on the common femoral artery. Since the pedicle is very small, instead of selective dye inje ction, a nonselective dye injection was utilized, elevating a very lar ge island skin flap based on the caudal femoral artery. This flap mode l can provide an alternative opportunity to study the physiology of sk in flaps and for training in the basic principles of plastic surgery, including microsurgical practice, with a more challenging model.