Generation of an autologous tissue (matrix) flap by combining an arteriovenous shunt loop with artificial skin in rats: preliminary report

The present experiment was designed to investigate the possibility of prefa bricating a tissue flap in a rat by combining an arteriovenous (A-V) shunt loop with artificial skin dermis (AS). The A-V fistula loop was constructed between the right femoral artery and vein by the interposition of a vein g raft and the loop was wrapped with a folded sheet of AS and buried beneath the inguinal skin. In the control group the folded sheet of AS was inserted without a vessel loop and embedded in the inguinal region as in the experi mental group. There were three experiments. In experiment 1, the total volu me of the generated tissue formed within the AS was calculated after 4 week s in the experimental and control groups. In experiment 2, the AS in the ex perimental group was harvested at 2 (group I) and 4 (group 2) weeks after i nsertion to assess the change in morphology over time. In experiment 3, ful l thickness skin grafts were placed over the generated tissue of the experi mental groups to investigate the possibility of creating skin flaps. The to tal volume of tissue generated in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group (P < 0.01). Histological and carbon injec tion studies suggest that the new capillary bed is derived from the graft l oop Vessels and tissue generation and organisation of the AS were further a dvanced in group 2 than in group I. The skin grafts placed over the tissues generated showed complete survival and could be raised as island flaps in both groups. (C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.