Published in:
01-09-2023 | Experimental Study
The versatile use of extended lateral thoracic artery-pedicled fasciocutaneous flap: an experimental study
Published in: European Journal of Plastic Surgery | Issue 6/2023
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Background
The flap repair method is the most frequently used technique for covering congenital or acquired defects that disrupt the integrity of body. We aimed to investigate maximum size of reliable lateral thoracic artery-based faciocutaneous (LTAF) flap and to determine its usage in which part of the body defects in rabbits.
Methods
In this study, 10 white New Zealand rabbits were used. The study had two parts. In part 1, a total of 5 rabbits were used, two of them in barium microangiography and three of them to investigate flap viability. Flap survival was investigated clinically and fluorescent dye. In the second part, potential target points for the flap were determined on 5 rabbits.
Results
In the first part, average 8.1 cm wide and average 6.8 cm length of LTAF flaps were harvested and flaps resutured. Neither partial nor total flap necrosis was observed in all animals. In the second part, average 7.7 cm wide and average 6.5 cm length of LTAF flaps were harvested and transferred target tissue. The flaps that covered on created defects on the ear, face, neck, feet, and contralateral back of the rabbits were followed for 6 weeks. The partial loss of tissue in the neck and back were 25% and10%, respectively.
Conclusions
LTAF flap is an ideal experimental model that can be used in large defects, have a long pedicle, wide arc of rotation, and being as thin as possible to configurate.
Level of evidence: Not gradable.