Experimental Study of the Effects of Changes in Arteriovenous Pressure Difference on the Survival Area of a Reverse Island Flap

Abstract

In this article, the effect of the change of arteriovenous pressure on the survival area of reverse island flap was studied. The vein and saphenous artery in rabbits were selected to design the reverse island flap experimental model. Rabbits were divided into 4 groups: A: Control Group; B: Part anastomosis of the saphenous artery group; C: Part anastomosis of the vein group; and D: No superficial veins group. After surgery, for all four groups, flaps were assessed by general observation, radionuclide scans for the survival rate, and histology. We found that the survival rate of flaps in Group B was overtop than the other three groups (P < 0.05). The radioactive material (RM) in group B could be seen clearly, whereas the RM in Groups A, C, and D existed transiently. At ten days post-operation, Group B had more capillary regeneration and blood cells contrast to the other three groups. Increasing blood supply can improve the survival rate of flaps, but simply promoting venous return has no significant effect on improving the survival rate of flaps.