BLOOD-FLOW IN MOBILIZED NERVES - RESULTS IN A RABBIT SCIATIC-NERVE MODEL

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect on capi llary blood flow of surgical mobilization of 15 cm of the rabbit sciat ic and tibial nerve. Capillary nerve blood flow was determined with 16 -mu m radioactive microspheres. Thirty-seven rabbits were divided into six groups. In the control group A (n = 7), the in situ nerve blood f low was determined. In group B (n = 7), the nerve was mobilized, leavi ng only the proximal and distal endoneurial vascular supplies; blood f low increased compared with in situ values in most segments. In group C (n = 5), the nerve was mobilized as in group B, but also transected distally; blood flow was markedly decreased in the distal segments hut was maintained up to a diameter-to-length ratio of 1:63. In group D ( n = 6), the nerve was not mobilized, but was transected proximally and distally; blood flow increased in all segments. In group E (n = 5), t he nerve was mobilized and transected proximally and distally, leaving only nerve branches intact; blood flow was significantly higher in se gments of die nerve from which nerve branches originated with the nerv e receiving blood flow through its branches. In group F (n = 6), the n erve was mobilized, all extrinsic vessels except one were transected, and the proximal and distal nerve was transected; flow was maintained to a diameter:length ratio of 1:41 from the source of blood flow. Ther efore, it does appear that long lengths of nerve may be mobilized and transposed while maintaining sufficient blood flow.